Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has been touring the United States on his Fighting the Oligarchy Tour, a series of town halls aimed at mobilizing progressive voters nationwide.
On Saturday evening, Sanders brought that message to his alma mater, Brooklyn College, for a joint town hall with New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. The event drew a crowd of 1,700, highlighting Mamdani’s status as the clear frontrunner in the city’s mayoral race. This race has attracted national attention, with progressives viewing candidates like Mamdani as energizers for their movement, while facing concerted attacks from the right, including from President Donald Trump.
“Politics can be powered by ordinary people,” Mamdani told the packed auditorium.
Sanders’ Tour Highlights Progressive Momentum
The town hall, part of Sanders’s tour that has already visited 21 states and engaged more than 300,000 people, underscored the growing national spotlight on New York’s mayoral race. It also showcased increasingly hostile rhetoric from the White House toward progressive politicians like Mamdani.
On Friday, Trump inaccurately referred to Mamdani — a Democratic socialist — as “a communist,” drawing criticism and highlighting the political tension surrounding the race.
Progressive Policies at the Forefront
Mamdani has faced scrutiny from moderate Democrats and Republicans over what they label as “unrealistic” or “extreme” policies, particularly regarding economic issues. But supporters resonated strongly with his message on income inequality and the consolidation of wealth in fewer hands.
Sanders directed sharp criticism at billionaire media owners, including David Ellison, who now oversees Paramount, the parent company of CBS News. Sanders argued that media coverage under Ellison’s leadership has not been sufficiently critical of the White House.
CBS, which merged with Skydance Media, paid $16 million to settle a lawsuit alleging an altered interview with then-presidential candidate Kamala Harris. Sanders also criticized Elon Musk, whose $1 trillion compensation package was approved by Tesla shareholders earlier this week.
“We are living in a crazy world,” Sanders said. “Millions of people are struggling to put food on the table, and they [Tesla shareholders] are making one guy a trillionaire.”
Mamdani Targets Corporate Influence
Mamdani focused on big businesses such as DoorDash, which spent $1 million opposing his campaign, emphasizing, “New York City is not for sale.”
Despite opposition from parts of the business community, Mamdani has engaged in dialogue with New York business leaders. In July, after securing the Democratic nomination, he met with leaders across the city to address concerns, a meeting described as “productive” by The Partnership for New York City.
Core issues driving Mamdani’s campaign remain outside the business community. Working- and middle-class concerns, such as childcare, dominated discussions at the town hall. According to the New York City Council, childcare can consume up to 25% of household income. One mother in attendance reported spending $36,000 annually.
“We have to feel the depth of the statistics we have grown numb to,” Mamdani said. He has proposed free childcare for children aged six weeks to five years.
Trump’s Alleged Involvement in the Mayoral Race
Concerns have grown over potential interference by the Trump administration. Reports suggest Trump may support incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, currently in fourth place behind Mamdani and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, his nearest competitor according to most major polls. Republican Curtis Sliwa trails behind Adams.
There are also claims that Adams might be considered for a Trump administration role, including a possible ambassadorship to Saudi Arabia. Adams denied being in talks for the Department of Housing and Urban Development and said he would not drop out of the race despite controversies. Cuomo also pushed back on alleged interference: “I don’t want him [Trump] involved in anything to do with my race,” Cuomo told reporters.
Mamdani similarly rejected outside influence: “This is a city where we will choose our own mayor,” he said.
He also criticized hedge fund CEO Bill Ackman, who suggested Mayor Adams should step aside and pledged to fund a more “centrist” candidate.
National Progressive Movement Gains Ground
New York’s mayoral race is drawing unprecedented attention as the nation’s largest city and a global financial and media hub. But progressives are also making gains across the country, with candidates focusing on income inequality, housing costs, and worker protections.
- In Minneapolis, State Senator Omar Fateh is running against incumbent Jacob Frey, emphasizing affordable housing and labor protections.
- In Albuquerque, Alex Uballaz campaigns on “housing for all,” promising expanded transitional housing and rental protections.
- In Seattle, Katie Wilson is challenging Mayor Bruce Harrell, highlighting homelessness, rising housing costs, and small business support.
Sanders highlighted the national significance: “What they are afraid of is Mamdani becoming an example of what could happen all over the US.”
Preparing for Possible Trump Interventions
Mamdani warned that Trump could attempt similar interventions in New York as he has in other cities. He called for coordination with state officials, citing California as an example where legal action successfully blocked a National Guard deployment.
Mamdani emphasized: “We have to prepare for the inevitability of that deployment. We cannot try to convince ourselves that because something is illegal, Donald Trump will not do it.”
Even last year, Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul deployed the National Guard to patrol the subway system under the banner of public safety, despite declining crime rates. New York Police data shows the city recorded fewer shootings in the first eight months of 2025 than during any comparable period in its history.
Progressive Energy Shapes New York Politics
The joint town hall with Sanders and Mamdani demonstrated the growing influence of progressive candidates in New York and across the U.S. With a focus on income inequality, worker rights, and accessible childcare, Mamdani is positioning himself as the leading voice for ordinary citizens in a city historically dominated by entrenched political and corporate interests.
As the mayoral race intensifies, national attention will likely remain fixed on New York, signaling that the progressive movement may be entering a decisive phase not just locally, but across the country.
