Zohran Mamdani on NYC as a blueprint for Democrats | NPR's Newsmakers

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani reflects on his first 100 days in office, emphasizing a "pothole politics" approach that prioritizes tangible material gains for working-class residents. Key accomplishments include securing $1.2 billion for universal child care, settling disputes with landlords to repair thousands of apartments, and implementing measures to increase bus speeds. Despite facing a $5.4 billion fiscal deficit, the administration remains committed to an affordability agenda while navigating complex challenges, including police reform and strained relations with federal authorities. Mamdani maintains a firm stance on his ideological opposition to the war in Iran and his characterization of President Trump as a fascist, even while engaging in pragmatic, localized cooperation. By focusing on direct service delivery and community safety, the administration seeks to demonstrate the practical efficacy of democratic socialist policies in addressing the city's urgent housing and economic crises.