Mayor Zohran Mamdani Uses Star Power to Energize New York City Governance

Mamdani has governed with an unusual star power, drawing large crowds and recruiting celebrities.

“NEW YORK (WABC) -- Food delivery platform HungryPanda will pay more than $875,000 after an investigation found it illegally overcharged hundreds of restaurants for delivering meals”

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Basic municipal services have been infused with newfound excitement.

ABC7 New York

He recruited Cardi B to judge a jingle contest for his child care program.

His social media videos helped recruit thousands of new snow shovelers.

A public service announcement brought more than 50,000 new subscribers to the emergency alert system.

He personally helped clean up a garbage-filled lot in the Bronx.

The celebrity status has also prompted backlash.

Mamdani delivered on universal childcare, rolling out a plan to add 2,000 seats.

Together with Governor Hochul, they secured $1.2 billion to fund the venture.

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The mayor found popular success with a drive to fix potholes.

Polling shows Mamdani's approval rating sits at 48%.

A majority of New Yorkers see Mamdani as a unifier.

Almost three quarters say he is hard working.

But 59% say NYC is on the wrong track.

Mamdani held a dour press conference about a massive budget gap.

He said the state would have to raise taxes on the wealthy or he would increase property taxes.

The public play was widely seen as a strategy to pressure Governor Hochul.

Mamdani slammed the City Council plan and called out Council Speaker Julie Menin.

Fiscal experts caution that the path ahead will be difficult.

A Department of Probation employee filed a wrongful termination lawsuit.

The city’s corruption watchdog is investigating.

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Mamdani took office amid fierce criticism from Republicans and some Democrats.

Democratic Congresswoman Laura Gillen called him too extreme.

Leaders like Schumer and Jeffries refused to endorse him.

Mamdani’s popularity remains evident among young people.