Despite an unexpected dip in temperature during an otherwise warm October, over 13,000 enthusiastic supporters gathered at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens on Sunday evening to rally behind Democratic Socialist and New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. The event, themed ‘New York is not for Sale,’ was held in anticipation of the upcoming mayoral election on November 4. The historic 1920s venue buzzed with excitement as attendees of diverse backgrounds and ages came together, reflecting the broad coalition Mamdani has cultivated. Queens, known for its cultural diversity, served as the perfect backdrop for this vibrant assembly. Among the speakers was NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, who humorously referred to himself as ‘your second choice in the primary.’ Lander praised Mamdani’s coalition-building efforts, urging the crowd to reject former governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an Independent. Cuomo, accused of sexual harassment and corruption during his tenure, has faced criticism for his handling of the pandemic and recent Islamophobic rhetoric. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders also took the stage, delivering impassioned speeches. AOC emphasized the importance of affordable housing, decent wages, and healthcare, while Sanders highlighted the global significance of the election, warning against complacency and the dangers of oligarchy. Mamdani, who won the Democratic primary with 56% of the vote, concluded the rally with a powerful message of hope and determination, urging supporters to continue their efforts in the final days leading up to the election. Early voting has already seen significant turnout, with 164,000 ballots cast, matching the total from the 2021 early voting period. Despite Mamdani’s lead in the polls, recent data shows Cuomo narrowing the gap, setting the stage for a closely contested race.
Mamdani, AOC and Sanders rally huge crowd ahead of New York City mayoral election
