I recently spoke with dozens of Generation Z and younger-millennial New Yorkers — educated, engaged, all Democrats, and without exception, supporters of presumptive Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani. There were atheists, Jews, and Muslims; some were gay, straight, or queer while others were wealthy and some were struggling. 

Despite their differences, their political uniformity wasn’t what struck me most. It was the nature of their support. When asked why they backed Mamdani, they didn’t cite his policies or legislative work or offer any comments on his ideological positions and political behavior. What they all offered, instead, was the idea of mood. 

To them, Mamdani represents a refreshing break from the current Democratic leadership in New York, which they view as calcified, self-interested, criminal, self-indulgent, and embarrassingly out of touch. The words they used to describe the establishment were striking: “ineffective,” “old,” and “gross.” Their rejection of the old guard wasn’t rooted in disagreement over policies. They wanted someone different. Someone younger. Someone who “seemed cool.” Someone who showed up.

That last phrase came up again and again: he showed up. Mamdani participated in community meetings, went to candidate forums, and spoke directly to the public.........

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