Zohran Mamdani Rallies Harlem, Pushes Affordability Message/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Zohran Mamdani rallied supporters in Harlem after his surprise win in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary. He emphasized affordability and unity, seeking to build support in Black neighborhoods. Final results await ranked-choice vote counts next week.
Quick Look
Zohran Mamdani Heads To Harlem After Win
- Mamdani speaks at National Action Network rally.
- Pledges a city working people can afford.
- Faces Eric Adams, Curtis Sliwa in November.
- Final primary results pending ranked-choice count.
- Rev. Al Sharpton praises Mamdani’s outreach efforts.
Mamdani Rallies Harlem Supporters After Primary Upset Victory
Deep Look
NEW YORK (AP) — Zohran Mamdani took his message of affordability and change to Harlem on Saturday, fresh off his stunning victory in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary, as he sought to strengthen support among voters still skeptical of his insurgent campaign.
Speaking at a National Action Network rally, Mamdani addressed an energized crowd of Black clergy, activists, and residents, declaring that his campaign was about transforming New York into a city working people can afford to call home.
“Our victory wasn’t just between two candidates,” Mamdani said, referencing his win over former Governor Andrew Cuomo. “It was a victory for a city that New Yorkers can afford.”
The Rev. Al Sharpton praised Mamdani for showing up in Harlem, even after reports that the candidate struggled to secure votes in some of the city’s predominantly Black neighborhoods.
“He could have gone the other way and said, ‘It’s me against them.’ But he came this morning and proclaimed something,” Sharpton said. “I give him a lot of credit for that.”
While Mamdani has declared victory, the final results won’t be certified until the city finishes counting ranked-choice ballots next week.
The 33-year-old state assemblyman has rocketed to prominence with a platform focused on combating the city’s affordability crisis. At the Harlem rally, he invoked Martin Luther King Jr., biblical passages, and former Mayor David Dinkins as he spoke about the city’s future.
“People are asking whether New York is destined to become a museum of what once was possible for working people,” Mamdani said. “But the last two weeks have shown New Yorkers are hungry to move beyond museums and relics and make this city a living, breathing testament to what is possible.”
Mamdani is set to face off in November’s general election against Mayor Eric Adams, running as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels. Although Cuomo has conceded, he has left the door open to running as an independent.
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