Zohran Mamdani has promised to transform New York City government when he becomes mayor. Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, already faces intense scrutiny, even before taking office in one of the country's most scrutinized political jobs. For Mamdani, starting off strong is key, said George Arzt, a veteran Democratic political consultant in New York who worked for former Mayor Ed Koch. But Mamdani may find himself contending with the relentless responsibilities of running New York City. When there's a subway delay or flooding, or a high-profile crime or a police officer parks in a bicycle lane, it's not unusual for the city's mayor to catch some heat.

Source: The Telegraph December 29, 2025 09:08 UTC