The Political Scene | The New Yorker

How Zohran Mamdani Won, and What Comes Next

55 snips
Nov 12, 2025
Eric Lach, a staff writer at The New Yorker covering NYC politics, discusses Zohran Mamdani's groundbreaking mayoral victory. He highlights Mamdani's ambitious agenda, including plans for rent freezes and universal childcare, and the challenges he faces in delivering on these promises. Lach explores reactions from both parties, including concerns from business leaders and Trump's threats against the city. The conversation also delves into Mamdani's transition team choices, signaling a mix of new voices and established experience in navigating the political landscape.
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INSIGHT

Mayor Controls Rent Levers

  • The Rent Guidelines Board gives the mayor concrete leverage to freeze rent increases.
  • Mayoral appointments to that board have historically produced rent freezes under prior mayors.
INSIGHT

Business Response Was Nuanced

  • The business community's reaction to Mamdani is mixed, not monolithic panic.
  • Some influential figures sought engagement and found pragmatic possibilities.
INSIGHT

Lena Khan Signals Regulatory Ambition

  • Appointing Lena Khan signals generational change and an interest in wielding regulatory levers.
  • Her FTC background hints Mamdani may confront big tech and national power dynamics.
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