Mamdani Says Midterms Show Power of Working-Class Voters

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the midterm elections show the power of working-class voters. In an interview with NPR, he told NPR's Juana Summers that newly elected democratic socialists need to seize the moment and show voters what politics can deliver.

Democratic socialists are candidates tied to the Democratic Socialists of America, a political group. Mamdani's comments came after a run of wins for candidates he backed in the U.S. House of Representatives, the 435-seat chamber of Congress.

In June, three candidates backed by Mamdani won their U.S. House primary elections. Primaries are the contests that pick each party's nominee for a seat. All three candidates have ties to the Democratic Socialists of America and favor universal health insurance, meaning coverage for everyone. Reuters reported that the wins increased the clout of the Democratic Socialists of America.

Mamdani's relationship with President Donald Trump has also drawn attention. As mayor-elect, Mamdani met Trump in the Oval Office in Washington, and he described that meeting as productive. On September 21, 2026, the two met in New York.