What Zohran Mamdani’s Primary Win in New York Means for the Future of U.S. Politics
Ask students: Who did Zohran Mamdani upset in his election win? How old is Mamdani, and why was his age relevant to his campaign?
In a stunning upset, 33-year-old Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic primary for New York City mayor. Final results won't be official for several days, but his win has sent shockwaves through the Democratic Party. To discuss Mamdani's win and what comes next, Amna Nawaz spoke with Errol Lewis, political anchor for Spectrum News NY1 and host of the Inside City Hall program.
View the transcript of the story.
Discussion Questions
- Who did Zohran Mamdani upset in his election win?
- How old is Mamdani, and why was his age relevant to his campaign?
- Why is Mamdani’s victory regarded as an "upset"?
- What political party does Mamdani affiliate with?
- When do New Yorkers vote in the general election for mayor?
Focus Questions
- How might Mamdani’s identity challenge narratives about who can be successful in American politics?
- What might this shift in voter support from establishment politicians to non-establishment candidates mean for the future of politics in the United States?
- Media literacy: How do various media sources frame Mamdani’s win differently, and what factors (such as political bias, target audience) might influence their coverage?
Extension Activity
Watch the short video below for an overview of Zohran Mamdani’s and Andrew Cuomo’s positions on key issues affecting New York City. After watching, discuss the questions below:
- What do you think are the most important issues facing your own town or city right now? If you were an elected official, what kinds of laws or policies would you propose to address these issues?
- If you are too young to vote, what are some ways you can still help address local issues or create positive change in your community?
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Republished with permission from PBS News Hour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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