Zohran Mamdani, the 28-year-old South Asian progressive candidate for New York’s Assembly District 36, recently went head-to-head with seasoned politician Andrew Cuomo in the recent primary election. Despite Mamdani’s strong grassroots campaign and support from prominent progressive figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, he ultimately lost to Cuomo by a significant margin. This defeat has sparked discussions and speculations about the so-called “Black vote” and its impact on Mamdani’s campaign. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Mamdani’s underperformance in majority-Black precincts does not tell the whole story.
Mamdani, a child of immigrants from Uganda and India, ran a campaign centered on progressive policies such as housing justice, climate justice, and ending mass incarceration. His platform resonated with many young voters and progressive activists, gaining him significant support from the diverse communities in his district. However, in majority-Black precincts, Mamdani trailed behind Cuomo, raising questions about his overall appeal among Black voters.
One theory that has been circulating is that Mamdani’s loss is a result of the “Black vote,” which refers to the tendency of Black voters to support establishment candidates over newcomers. This narrative paints Black voters as being conservative and resistant to change, which is not only untrue but also harmful. It ignores the complexities of the Black community and reduces them to a monolithic voting bloc.
The reality is that Mamdani’s campaign faced numerous challenges in majority-Black precincts. One of those challenges was the lack of name recognition among Black voters. While Cuomo is a household name in New York politics, Mamdani was a relatively unknown candidate from outside the community. This lack of familiarity may have made some voters hesitant to support him and instead opt for the familiar choice.
Furthermore, Mamdani’s campaign was outspent by Cuomo’s significantly. As a result, he did not have the same resources to reach out to and engage with Black voters. Campaigns rely heavily on outreach efforts, such as phone banking, canvassing, and community events, to build a connection with voters and earn their support. With limited resources, Mamdani’s campaign may not have been able to reach as many Black voters as they would have liked.
It is also worth noting that Cuomo had the endorsement of several prominent Black leaders, including Congressman Hakeem Jeffries and State Senator Kevin Parker. These endorsements carry significant weight and influence in the Black community, especially for older and more established voters. While Mamdani had the support of young progressive leaders like Ocasio-Cortez, it may not have translated to the same level of support among Black voters.
Moreover, the narrative of the “Black vote” ignores the fact that Mamdani received significant support from Black voters in other parts of his district. In neighborhoods like Astoria and Forest Hills, where the population is more diverse, Mamdani received a considerable number of votes. This shows that his policies and message resonated with Black voters in those areas, indicating that his defeat in majority-Black precincts may not be a reflection of his overall appeal among Black voters.
It is essential to recognize that Black voters are not a monolith and cannot be reduced to one voting pattern. Black voters come from diverse backgrounds and have different priorities, just like any other group of voters. To attribute Mamdani’s loss solely to the “Black vote” is both inaccurate and dismissive of the Black community’s agency and political diversity.
Another factor that may have affected Mamdani’s underperformance in majority-Black precincts is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has disproportionately affected communities of color, and many Black voters may have been preoccupied with dealing with its effects. In times of crisis, people often turn to familiar and established candidates, which could explain why Cuomo received more support from Black voters in these uncertain times.
In conclusion, while Mamdani’s lackluster performance in majority-Black precincts may have contributed to his defeat, it is not the only factor. His campaign faced numerous challenges, such as the lack of name recognition, limited resources, and endorsement from prominent Black leaders. Additionally, the narrative of the “Black vote” oversimplifies and dismisses the complexities of the Black community’s political engagement. It is time to move away from labeling Black voters as a monolithic voting bloc and instead recognize the diverse and influential role they play
