Zohran Mamdani: Rise of a ‘Sewer Socialist’ in NYC Mayoral Race Amid Controversy

Zohran Mamdani’s Race for NYC Mayor: An Upcoming “Sewer Socialist”?

Emerging as the candidate to watch for New York City’s mayoral election, Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani has drawn significant attention, including criticism from US President Donald Trump who humorously dubbed him a “miniature communist”. Calls for an investigation into Mamdani’s citizenship have also been heard.

Ugandan-born Mamdani, the first Muslim mayoral candidate of NYC, though targeted due to his demographic, has primarily drawn fire for his democratic socialist stance, a political position often subjected to old-school “red-baiting”.

Mamdani’s approach to democratic socialism primarily focuses on practical solutions, embodying the historical tradition of “sewer socialism”.

Reviving the Sewer Socialist Legacy

Despite the United States’ long history of anticommunism, socialist mayors in Milwaukee made their mark through service delivery. Socialist candidates dominated city politics there from 1910 to 1960 due to their appeal to German immigrants.

The term “sewer socialist” was coined by Morris Hillquit, national chairman of the Socialist Party. Hillquit’s term was popularized by Milwaukee’s city-owned sewer system and the city’sfirst public housing project, exemplifying the practicality of the socialist approach.

Today, as urban dwellers grapple with a decrease in the quality of life, sewer socialism is making a comeback.

Millennials Guiding the Socialist Revival

Apart from Mamdani, Seattle’s 43-year-old mayoral candidate Katie Wilson is also a leading figure in the revival of sewer socialism, focusing her campaign on housing, public safety, and homelessness.

Wilson’s straightforward admission of her socialist stance highlights her confidence in practical solutions above political labels.

Is Mamdani the Future Of the Democratic Party?

Despite his lack of political experience, Mamdani’s relatability and promise of a better city life have already sparked discussions about his potential candidacy for the 2028 presidential election.

On July 4th, his patriotic remarks were met with criticism from Vice President JD Vance. However, historical insights suggest that Mamdani’s practical “sewer socialist” approach to city politics could be the key to addressing essential quality of life issues, regardless of the opposition from major parties.