In New York, Zohran Mamdani showed how it’s done: ‘identity politics’ can win elections | Nesrine Malik
In a significant political shift for New York City, newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani has emerged as a beacon of hope for progressives, drawing attention not only for his policies but for the personal narrative that shaped his campaign. Mamdani’s rise to power is particularly notable given the current political landscape, which has seen a vacuum on the left, leaving many progressives looking for a figure who can represent their interests. His victory is emblematic of a broader trend in American politics, where identity and personal stories are increasingly intertwined with electoral success. However, it’s essential to recognize that Mamdani’s win is rooted in the unique demographic and economic tapestry of New York City, which may not easily translate to other regions.
Mamdani’s campaign effectively utilized the concept of “identity politics,” a term that has garnered mixed reactions in contemporary discourse. Traditionally viewed as a superficial appeal to race or identity markers, Mamdani’s approach challenges this notion by emphasizing the importance of personal experience while also addressing systemic issues. He has managed to navigate the complexities of identity politics, demonstrating that it can be a powerful tool for mobilizing support around broader, universal goals such as poverty alleviation and social justice. His strategy highlights the potential for a more inclusive political dialogue that goes beyond mere representation, focusing instead on tangible outcomes that resonate with a diverse electorate. As Mamdani embarks on his mayoral journey, his success may serve as a case study for future candidates seeking to harness the power of identity without losing sight of the pressing material realities facing their constituents.
In conclusion, while Mamdani’s victory is indeed a significant milestone for progressive politics, it also invites a deeper examination of what identity politics can and should represent. As he steps into his role as mayor, the challenge will be to balance the personal with the political, ensuring that his administration not only reflects the melting pot of New York City but also addresses the complex socio-economic issues that define it. This dual focus could pave the way for a new era of leadership that prioritizes both representation and meaningful change, setting a precedent for future political movements across the nation.
New York’s newly elected mayor rooted his campaign in the personal while, ironically, exemplifying the tradition of the American ‘melting pot’
It is inevitable that too much will be laid on Zohran Mamdani’s head. So large is the vacuum on the left of politics that his victory will occupy an outsized space for progressives beyond New York City. And so, before I lay too much on his head myself, some caveats. New York is a specific place. It has a specific demographic and economic profile. And Mamdani is a man of a specific background, racial, political and religious. But with that out of the way, I think the successful practice of “
identity politics
” during his campaign offers some universal lessons.
I put identity politics in quote marks because the term now means little that is universally agreed upon. Broadly, it has come to mean something derogatory, kind of in the same way that “wokeness” has. It increasingly has negative connotations: a political appeal to race or other markers of identity that is shallow, rooted in perpetual victimhood, focused only on representation and disconnected from material reality. Seen this way, identity politics is not about universal goals, such as lifting people out of poverty and so mobilising broad coalitions of voters, but simply about visibility.
Nesrine Malik is a Guardian columnist
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