Canvassing for Mamdani: What I Learned and What it Means
Editor’s Note: Although generally we do not publish anonymous pieces, we have decided to publish this piece anonymously for the author’s privacy.
A much-discussed part of the Zohran Mamdani victory that stunned so many New Yorkers was the so-called volunteer army of over 100,000 energized people who knocked on doors and called phones in support of the Mamdani campaign. I was one of those who volunteered in three-hour shifts, knocking on doors and standing near poll sites. Afraid of being seen by the YU community, I focused my canvassing efforts in Harlem and the Upper West Side. Naturally, my shifts allowed me the opportunity to converse with my fellow canvassers, and I learned about my different partners’ views on a variety of topics. I was also able to learn from all of the New York residents I interacted with.
A sizable portion of the volunteers I met in the primary, horrified by reports of atrocities in Gaza, were highly motivated by Mamdani’s vehement opposition to it. Others were motivated by his progressive economic policies. Many were self-described socialists. They expressed feeling hopeful about a political candidate for the first time. As some have pointed out, at times, the support for Mamdani has seemed cult-like. At the same time, though, for many voters, this is the first time they have seen a politician speaking their language and addressing their concerns.
Perhaps my most illuminating experience was my time canvassing with a young Muslim Pakistani woman in Harlem and Morningside Heights. At the pre-canvass introductions, she had mentioned that she was first drawn to Mamdani because of his advocacy for Palestine. Naturally, this led me to wonder exactly where her politics stood.
As we walked through the nighttime scenery of Morningside Park, the conversation came up. She turned to me for hope. She asked if I thought that Netanyahu would lose power and that a government more friendly to Palestinians might replace his. She asked for my opinion on liberal Zionism with the hope that it might bring peace. She asked me about whether ultra-Orthodox anti-Zionist attitudes could lead to a more peaceful future. Regrettably, I could not answer her questions as I would have wanted. I responded to her hope with depressed realism, trying to accurately and sensitively capture the nuances of the many parts of the Jewish community. I did not sugarcoat the parts of the Jewish community whose beliefs I fear, but I also did not demonize those groups. I tried to keep the fire of hope lit; I spoke of my admiration for Israeli-Arab politician Ahmad Tibi. To my relief, as we spoke, I felt my tension dissipating. Despite my initial trepidation, I was talking to somebody who would not jump to conclusions or try to categorize me based on the nuances of what I said. We were able to discuss the sensitive issue as people.
I felt kindness and support not only from my fellow volunteers in the Mamdani campaign, but also from all kinds of New Yorkers. Many New Yorkers sympathetic to the Mamdani campaign thanked us for what we were doing and offered to help as they could. One individual we contacted directed us through her building and introduced us to the residents. Even with non-Mamdani supporters, there were positive moments. In one example, when I volunteered outside a poll site during the primary, a woman yelled at me that Mamdani’s politics were impossible and a shallow ploy. However, when she returned from voting, she apologized for her tone and we had a true discussion of substance. She did not support Mamdani, but we were able to come to an understanding on the value and need, both for exploring new initiatives to improve the lives of working New Yorkers and for advocating sensible approaches. Later, as I stood in the heat on that sweltering primary day, an elderly voter expressed concern for me, ensuring I had enough water.
During the general election, I spoke with a Cuomo canvasser who had overheard me speaking with a Jewish voter about his concerns of antisemitism and appreciated my honest answer. We discussed her concerns as a descendant of Romanian immigrants who had suffered under communism and the harassment she had faced canvassing for Cuomo. She sympathized with my description of harassment targeted at Mamdani canvassers and assured me she was fully opposed to it. There was something beautiful about both of us encouraging passersby to vote, joined in our commitment to the electoral process.
A dominating feature of my experience was Jewish concern. I made acquaintances with many Jews supporting Mamdani. At the final Upper West Side canvass before the primary election, I was paired with an upbeat Jewish woman who spoke excitedly about her love for the city and her frustration at the negative campaigning aimed at Mamdani. After that canvass, I celebrated with my fellow volunteers in a bar, and I discussed the kashrut question of buying a beer there with two fellow Jews. In Inwood, at a Democratic Socialists of America-sponsored primary election watch party, I found myself sitting with two Jewish supporters who spoke to me excitedly of a recent documentary about the Columbia encampments.
I also met Jews with varied and justifiable concerns, some of which I share, and almost all of which I understand. Most of these were expressed on the day of the general election on the Upper West Side. Two young friends expressed understanding for those voting for Mamdani — but they also appealed to Holocaust-style imagery when they asked for assurances that his voters would open their attics to them if necessary. Yet another individual expressed concern about Mamdani’s statement that “when the boot of the NYPD is on your neck, it’s been laced by the IDF.” I assured these voters that I shared their belief in the importance of addressing antisemitism, no matter what side it came from.
I wish I could say everything was positive, but there were moments that reminded me of the fractures in this great city. One individual yelled at me that I had “mashed potato for brains.” More horrifyingly, another person stereotyped a Pakistani woman volunteering with me as a non-citizen and told me that he had taken a picture to report her. Yet another person referred to 9/11 to explain why she believed Mamdani was antisemitic. I also saw bad behavior from the pro-Mamdani side — for example, I saw one person pull down a Cuomo sign and rip it up, which inspired laughs from her companion. These incidents were worrying, but I genuinely believe they were a minority.
The volunteer army I was a part of reached its goal, both overall and on a local level. In the Harlem areas where I canvassed, nearly 70 percent of voters supported Mamdani. In the Upper West Side, to the surprise of many, Mamdani managed a narrow victory. The hard art of the campaign has come to a close, but the harder art of governing approaches.
Mamdani’s election has been portrayed as a symbol of a changing political landscape and city. My experiences put me in touch with many who pushed these changes. We will not benefit by stereotyping them and ignoring their humanity, sincerity and concerns. We will gain by being able to talk through our fears and by building bridges of understanding.
Photo caption: A Mamdani canvass launch table
Photo Credit: Leah B
