On Wednesday, Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani carried his anti-Trump tour to Staten Island, where he stated that he was certain he could get traction due to his emphasis on immigration and affordability, even in spite of the island’s stereotypes.
In the June primary, Mamdani won a number of borough election precincts, but Andrew Cuomo, his more moderate opponent, won the island. A group of outspoken opponents gathered to watch him on Wednesday.
Speaking from the backyard of a Turkish restaurant in Stapleton, Mamdani stated, “I am aware that while some Staten Islanders are fervently supporting Donald Trump, there are also some who voted for both of us.”
Since what they may have heard highlights how oppressive this cost of living problem is, I don’t blame them.
Democratic socialist Mamdani ran on a platform of affordability, promising free child care, free buses, and a freeze in rent for stabilized apartments.
He also criticized President Trump’s mass deportation policy on Wednesday, pointing out that one in four people from Staten Island were born abroad.
Mamdani declared, “We will not be complicit in the endeavor to carry out Donald Trump’s pledge to establish the biggest deportation apparatus this nation has ever witnessed.”
In the main election in November, the Assembly member will compete against Cuomo, Mayor Adams, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, and independent Jim Walden.
A variety of political figures, including immigration advocates, former Council members Debi Rose and Sal Albanese, and local district leaders Ali Ansari and Jasmine Robinson, who supported Cuomoin in the primary, welcomed Mamdani on Wednesday.
According to Mamdani, “we know that progressive ideas have a home here, just like so many others.”
Mamdani was ridiculed by protesters outside the event who were dressed in Trump apparel and holding posters endorsing Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. They called him a communist and swore derogatory names.
According to Mamdani, he finds language depressing.
He declared that he would not allow it to deter him from visiting Staten Island and speaking to New Yorkers regardless of their political beliefs or place of residence.
Speakers urged establishment Democrats like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to support Mamdani during the candidate’s Tuesday appearance in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. Since his primary victory, Mamdani has gained some institutional support, but he has yet to win over some of the city’s Democratic heavyweights.
Former Council member Rose stated on Wednesday that Zohran has listened to the people’s needs and desires and has created a plan to achieve them. I’m here today to tell you that as a party, we shouldn’t be scared to support and stand with Zohran Mamdani.
