The Brian Lehrer Show The 'People's Republic' of Astoria
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Jan 14, 2026 Naaman Zhou, a staff writer at The New Yorker, dives into Astoria's intriguing political transformation. He reveals how the neighborhood has become a hub for democratic socialists, despite not being the city's most left-leaning area. Zhou traces the rise of socialism back to demographic changes and the influence of the 2016 Bernie Sanders campaign. He discusses the unique perspectives of immigrant communities on socialism and highlights the tensions between new residents and longtime locals, painting a vivid picture of Astoria's evolving landscape.
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All Levels Held By Socialists
- Astoria uniquely has democratic socialists holding every local office concurrently in recent years.
- This concentration reflects simultaneous electoral wins rather than being the city's single most left-leaning neighborhood.
Rise Rooted In 2010s Shifts
- The modern socialist surge in Astoria began with the 2016 Bernie Sanders campaign and demographic shifts in the mid-2010s.
- Newer residents drawn by affordability and social issues aligned with DSA-style candidates running on cost-of-living themes.
Local Remembers Neighborhood Shift
- Longtime resident Andrew described staying in Astoria because it remained affordable and culturally vibrant.
- He recalled the neighborhood shifting from mainly Greek to diverse, with friends moving in as it became known as "cool."