Zoran Mamdani’s rapid rise from political obscurity to New York City mayor made him one of the most closely watched figures on the American left. A year after WIRED first interviewed him during his 2025 campaign, Mamdani remains a powerful online political force and a polarizing figure, with a 69 percent approval rating among New York City voters. In a later conversation at City Hall, he discussed the demands of governing, social media’s role in politics and pressing issues facing Americans during the midterm elections.
From campaign outsider to mayor
WIRED interviewed Mamdani in October 2025, a few weeks before his historic election victory, at his campaign office. At the time, he had achieved an astonishing political feat: In just a few months, he had risen from obscurity to become the front-runner for mayor.
His campaign centered on affordability and the working class. But his success also reflected the way he delivered that message. Mamdani demonstrated a command of social media that made many other American politicians appear to be only beginning to understand platforms such as Instagram.
Mamdani was just turning 34 during that first conversation. He brought an energy that seemed almost electric, captivating people during a subsequent photo shoot on a busy Manhattan street. New Yorkers jeered and shouted at the candidate, whose sudden rise transformed the routine of local politics into something resembling a cultural revolution.
The demands of governing
A year later, that electricity remains, although it appears more worn down. The daily work of governing does not generate the same excitement as Operation Rocket. Mamdani has become a lightning rod for contentious debates involving Israel and the Democratic Socialists of America, while also serving as a source of political hope for millions of people in the United States and around the world, particularly because of his extensive online influence.
His approval rating among Big Apple voters has reached 69 percent, making him one of the most influential figures on the American left. His harshest critics, however, describe him as a dangerous radical whose politics threaten the city he was elected to lead.
A mayor with political power
In an interview at New York City Hall, Mamdani reflected on the lessons of 10 months in office, the use of social media as a tool of governance and his views on major issues facing Americans in the midterm elections.
He sounded tired during the conversation. “It’s been a long day,” he murmured in a hoarse voice. Yet the mayor who built his reputation online also appeared newly liberated and more willing to speak his mind. Winning power and exercising it are two different things—and power now lies squarely with Zoran Mamdani.
Source: www.wired.com