Zohran Mamdani’s projected victory in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary is sending shockwaves through the national party, forcing party leaders to reconsider everything from their policy agendas to political strategies.
Even if a mayoral race in deep-blue New York City is categorically different from other primaries, party strategists say incumbents in federal and state office are still taking notice.
“We are a party of bed wetters,” said one Democratic strategist, who requested anonymity to speak candidly about internal party discussions. “So, yes, people are bed-wetting.”