A weekend rally in Queens drew thousands as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and New York City mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani energized the far-left base. The event promoted a progressive platform built on identity politics and government expansion, while dismissing critics who label the movement as extreme.
Ocasio-Cortez, addressing the crowd, framed New York’s immigrant history as the foundation for today’s progressive agenda. She listed various immigrant groups and historical struggles, using them to justify policies pushed by the Democratic Socialists of America. Her comments served to rally support for Mamdani’s candidacy ahead of next month’s general election.
Zohran Mamdani, the DSA-backed nominee, has become a rising figure in New York politics. His platform calls for rent freezes, new taxes on high earners and corporations, and sweeping expansions of public services. His campaign has attracted endorsements from figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, revealing a leftward shift in the Democrat Party’s leadership.
Ocasio-Cortez emphasized unity and resolve, telling the crowd, “We must remember in a time such as this, we are not the crazy ones… They want us to think we are crazy. We are sane.” The message resonated with attendees but also highlighted the movement’s defiance of traditional political norms.
Polling among Democrat voters shows increasing favorability toward socialist platforms. A recent poll sponsored by left-wing groups found that 74% of Democrat voters believe democratic socialism best reflects their values, and majorities support foreign policy positions like sanctioning Israel and restricting U.S. military aid—stances central to Mamdani’s agenda.
The rally also sparked local backlash. Last-minute parking restrictions near Forest Hills frustrated residents who felt blindsided by city decisions to accommodate the event. Despite local disruption, Mamdani’s campaign continues to gain traction with progressive voters, reflecting broader national trends in urban Democrat strongholds.
Prominent Democrats like Ocasio-Cortez and Mamdani have refused media appearances on programs like HBO’s Real Time, where host Bill Maher has criticized left-wing leaders for dodging tough questions. In contrast, he noted, Republican leaders consistently accept public scrutiny.
The Queens rally underscored the growing influence of socialist ideals in Democrat politics and the extent to which leaders like Ocasio-Cortez and Mamdani are shaping the party’s future.
