The following represents the opinion of the student reporter and does not represent the views of Loyola University Maryland, the Greyhound, or Loyola University’s Department of Communication.
Within our modern day political climate, social media and politics have begun to blend in a rather alarming way, with even the President of the United States using social media as a way to gain political favor among younger populations.
But, social media does not need to be a vessel for spreading negative ideas within politics, as can be seen through the rise of New York Mayoral elect Zohran Mamdani. Through Mamdani’s punchy and attention grabbing campaign ads, he was able to make complex campaign ideas not only easy for the average voter to understand, but also engaging to watch as well.
Ironically enough, one of the only other political figures who was able to utilize this unique blend of entertainment and policy to gain popularity within recent memory is current President Donald Trump. Mr. Trump was able to gain popularity through the rise of viral soundbites, subtly making him more palatable to Gen Z as a whole.
Right wing figures online often utilize platforms such as Tiktok and Instagram to reach young people and spread their message. This is exemplified by the fact that more Gen Z men are likely to identify as conservatives than men of the previous generation.
Noticing this trend, Mamdani was able to capitalize on the popularity of these social media platforms as a way to gain support for progressive policies such as more efficient public transit, government subsidized housing and government run grocery stores through fun and engaging videos that are easily accessible to the average voter.
Mamdani’s campaign was also revolutionary in that it veered significantly from the typical Democratic party policies, and instead focused more on progressive populist left wing ideals. Ironically, again, one of the only other figures recently to embrace populist policies, for better or for worse, through a ‘charismatic’ personality, is President Trump.
Amanda Dalosio ‘98, New York resident and active member of her community, gave her thoughts on Mamdani’s campaign. “Zohran’s campaign gave me a sense of hope I had not felt since the Obama years,” she said.
Dalosio also commented on the notable difference of the mayoral candidates in involvement within community events. She noted that Mamdani was much more involved compared to Former Governor (and opponent of Mamdani) Andrew Cuomo during Metro IAF’S forum on housing and mental health. More specifically, she commented on the stark difference in Cuomo’s participation versus Mamdani’s during the event.
“During the event, Andrew Cuomo’s involvement was minimal while Zohran was actively engaging with the crowd and even sitting among the audience whilst not actively on stage,” she said.
This willingness to go the extra mile at these events highlights the authenticity that is at the core of Mamdani’s mass appeal in the first place. Within our modern day social media reliant climate, this willingness to engage with people on their level is exactly the reason why Mamdani’s campaign was successful, while campaigns such as Former Vice President Kamala Harris’s run for President was ultimately unsuccessful.
Eamonn O’Shea ‘26, who voted for Mamdani, pointed out why he believes Harris lost while Mamdani succeeded.
“Trump won because Kamala Harris failed to address the real issues affecting voters,” he said.
More specifically, Harris failed to provide any solutions to issues affecting day to day voters through failing to embrace progressive politic failing to embrace progressive politics, but remaining in favor of policies more in line with the establishment Democratic party. On the other hand, Mamdani’s campaign provided solutions to the rising cost of homes, groceries, as well as lack of efficient public transportation within the city. Mamdani did this through embracing politics which put the people first, and focusing on electability second.
When asked what qualities makes him excited to vote for a politician, Earmon O’shea reflected that “sincerity and specific achievable goals,” are most important to him as a voter.
Mamdani’s campaign was able to capitalize on this need for authenticity within politics, while utilizing progressive policies. Both him and his campaign are proof that progressive politics and electability do not necessarily contradict each other.