Political Mathematics, Youth Protest, and Our Lessons

Political Mathematics, Youth Protest, and Our Lessons
No one expected it, but it happened, and starting January 1st, we will have Zohran Mamdani as mayor. Just a year ago, even the residents of Queens couldn't imagine that Zohran Mamdani would soon become mayor of New York City. His chances seemed slim. But history loves paradoxes.
Mamdani has become what some are calling the "accidental mayor"—though in fact, there was nothing accidental about his victory. It was the culmination of a long-term shift in the mood of city residents, tired of the cost-of-living crisis, and the culmination of the city's overall leftward shift.
A look at the numbers makes everything clear. Mamdani managed to combine demographics, figures, and the mood of the times. He spoke not in slogans, but in simple terms: "affordable housing, healthcare, kindergartens, transportation." And millions listened. Polls showed that city residents' biggest concerns were housing, inflation, and health. Young people turned out to vote in near-record numbers, especially in areas with active Muslim communities. Young people went door-to-door in the morning, calling, knocking on doors, reminding people to vote and that Zohran was "hope and support, a messenger from above." However, they didn't say who, how much, or from where invested the enormous sums of money in his election.
They didn't need much persuasion: everything happened in chats, Telegram channels, short videos, and memes. They lived this campaign—quickly, emotionally, and online. This is a new generation of voters: mobile, confident that they can change the world with a single "repost."
For many young New Yorkers, the economy means anxiety and debt, loans and dreams.
Kindergarten costs $1,500 to $2,500 per month. Healthcare is expensive. Students enter adulthood with debt, and sometimes with antidepressants and legalized marijuana. They voted not so much for an ideology as for an easier life here and now.
When they were promised free education, housing, healthcare, and transportation, the choice became obvious. But behind every free promise, as we know, lies someone's wallet—the taxpayer's. Alas, there's still no such thing as a free lunch.
Where did the older generation, many of whom lived under socialism and built communism, lose?
Older voters found themselves at a disadvantage compared to young people.
Complex ballots, small print, a lot of unfamiliar names - even I had to figure it out when I picked up the ballot.
City surveys have shown that many older people simply don't know who they're voting for.
And some, alas, didn't make it to the polling station due to health issues, anxiety about the new election, or a lack of understanding of the system. Every such missed vote is a minus one for Mamdani's opponents.
Today, it's important not to argue or assign blame. It's important to thank those who went to the polls despite the pain, the rain, and the fatigue. Those who called their friends, persuaded, argued, worried, and stood in lines. These people are proof that our community is alive, breathing, and fighting. We didn't lose—we learned. And this is the beginning of a larger conversation about the future: about our values, about who we can rely on, and how to ensure that the voices of the older generation are as loud as those who live on social media.
We must prepare in advance:
- explain the bulletins;
- help get to the sites;
- explain programs;
- support those initiatives that will not burden taxpayers.
The fate of a district or a city is the fate of every family.
And I, as always, advocate for finding common ground rather than engaging in direct confrontation. New York will survive. New York survived 9/11, Hurricane Sandy, the terrorist attacks, the pandemic, firings for refusing vaccinations, and unrest at universities.
We will survive this turn of events too.
The main thing is to maintain faith in yourself, respect for each other and a positive attitude.
Because, as I always say:
A positive attitude produces a positive result.
Marina Lagunova