New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has received a massive influx of out-of-state donations, accounting for nearly half his campaign haul since winning the Democrat primary, the New York Post reported.
Mamdani, who currently holds a narrow lead heading into November's general election, pulled in $351,423 from 5,292 donors with no ties to New York City in a 16-day period following the primary. According to campaign filings reviewed by the outlet, Mamdani received a total of $816,014 from about 10,300 donors between June 25 and July 11.
The 33-year-old Muslim born in Uganda defeated the establishment candidate, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, in what some observers see as a battle for the soul of the modern Democratic Party. A self-labeled "democratic socialist," Mamdani's opponents include independent candidates Cuomo, Mayor Eric Adams, and attorney Jim Walden as well as Republican Curtis Sliwa.
Political consultant Lis Smith told the Post that ultraliberal Democrats from out-of-state "want to be part of this magic," even if they won't be the direct beneficiaries of his policies.
"No one thought a Democratic socialist would win the New York City mayoral primary," she said. "It's a big victory for the left. He's a shot in the arm for the left flank for the Democratic Party."
As the Democrats struggle with how to define their party platform in the age of Trump, many in the centrist wing worry that a candidate such as Mamdani will further alienate middle-class voters. With Adams being somewhat aligned with the President Donald Trump on matters such as immigration, Cuomo's staying in the race likely will pull those moderate Democrats who despise any allegiance with Trump. And that small fraction could be just enough to ensure a Mamdani victory.
"Mamdani has become a rallying cry and has emerged as a top leader on the left in the country," Smith said. "No one thought he would vanquish Andrew Cuomo. Mamdani is now one of the leading figures on the left across the country."
James Morley III ✉
James Morley III is a writer with more than two decades of experience in entertainment, travel, technology, and science and nature.