Bernie Sanders Reacts to Zohran Mamdani’s Shocking Mayoral Win: A Warning Shot to the Democratic Establishment
In what many are calling a political earthquake, 33-year-old democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani surged to a stunning victory in New York’s Democratic mayoral primary — and no one is celebrating harder, or warning louder, than Senator Bernie Sanders.
The independent senator from Vermont — long a beacon for the American left — didn’t just endorse Mamdani; he sees the young politician’s win as a turning point for a party he’s never formally joined but has tried for decades to reshape.
“This is what happens when you take on the billionaire class,” Sanders told POLITICO Magazine in a wide-ranging, no-holds-barred interview. “This is how you win elections — by standing with working people and not begging billionaires for donations.”
The Rise of Mamdani — and the Power of Grassroots Politics
Mamdani, who credited Sanders as “the most influential political figure in my life,” didn’t play by traditional rules. Instead of courting wealthy donors or flooding the airwaves with pricey TV ads, he built a grassroots army that knocked on doors, mobilized neighborhoods, and spoke directly to the needs of working-class New Yorkers.
His agenda? Bold and unapologetically progressive: make housing affordable, tax the ultra-wealthy, invest in childcare and transportation, and reimagine policing with both humanity and safety in mind.
Sanders sees Mamdani’s campaign as a model — not just for New York, but for the future of the Democratic Party nationwide.
“You can’t excite people unless you have something to say,” Sanders said. “Mamdani had something to say — and people listened.”
A Party at a Crossroads: Is the Democratic Leadership Listening?
Sanders didn’t hold back in his critique of the current Democratic leadership. He says the establishment is out of step with reality — clinging to outdated strategies, cozying up to billionaires, and failing to inspire voters.
“They’re probably more willing to go down with the Titanic than to move in a new direction,” he said bluntly. “But whether they like it or not, the future belongs to progressive candidates.”
He also suggested that the party should brace for a wave of primary challenges from the left — a “Tea Party of the Left,” fueled by young voters, working-class communities, and people of color demanding bold action on inequality, healthcare, housing, and climate.
Taking On AIPAC, Wall Street, and the Billionaire Class
In a rare and fiery moment, Sanders took direct aim at the influence of AIPAC — the powerful pro-Israel lobbying group — and its role in shaping Democratic politics. He warned that continued support for the Netanyahu government’s actions in Gaza could backfire politically and morally.
“If Democrats think taking AIPAC money and backing Netanyahu is smart politics, they’re absolutely wrong,” he declared. “People see what’s happening to Palestinian children. This is not a fringe issue anymore.”
When former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers labeled Mamdani “alarming” for failing to disavow leftist slogans and proposing “Trotskyite” economics, Sanders dismissed him as a symbol of everything wrong with elite Democratic politics.
“Summers bailed out Wall Street,” Sanders said. “He represents the billionaire wing of the Democratic Party. That’s why he’s ‘alarmed.’”
A Message for 2028 — and Beyond
While Sanders wouldn’t name names about 2028 presidential hopefuls, his message was crystal clear: the future of the Democratic Party lies with a new generation of progressives — not corporate-aligned centrists.
And he says Mamdani’s win proves it.
“If you want to win elections, take on oligarchy. If you want to build a better country, stand with the working class,” he said. “That’s not just my opinion. That’s where the American people are.”
Summary for Readers:
This isn’t just about one mayoral race in New York — it’s about a growing political revolution shaking the foundation of the Democratic Party. With Mamdani’s rise, and Bernie Sanders’ unapologetic support, the message to Democratic leadership is clear: change, or get left behind.
