33-year-old socialist Zohran Mamdani recently declared victory in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary, defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo.
Mamdani’s victory can be attributed to a coalition that reflects the influence of what some analysts describe as “luxury beliefs”—policies that gain popularity among affluent individuals but often place significant burdens on others.
This emerging trend within the Democratic Party showcases a growing divide between working-class voters and educated elites.
Mamdani’s support base included numerous celebrities, highlighting a connection between affluence and political endorsement. High-profile figures, such as model Emily Ratajkowski, endorsed Mamdani, which resonated deeply with his affluent, younger supporters.
However, working-class voters appeared unpersuaded by these celebrity endorsements, with the latest data indicating that many low-income voters strongly backed Cuomo instead.
Support for Mamdani was notably strongest in high-income neighborhoods, while low-income voters demonstrated a marked preference for more traditional political figures.
As crime rates continue to be a pressing concern for many, Mamdani’s proposed policies reflect a significant ideological divide.
While he has distanced himself from his earlier support for defunding the police, Mamdani remains skeptical about increasing NYPD staffing.
Instead, he advocates the creation of a new Department of Community Safety to address violence before it occurs. This approach draws support primarily from affluent voters who can afford to distance themselves from the realities of crime.
Polling data from New York indicates that those who prioritize crime as a critical issue overwhelmingly favored Cuomo, revealing a stark contrast in how different income groups perceive safety and policing.
The pervasive class divide is evident in discussions around policing strategies. High-income Americans tend to be strong proponents of defunding police, whereas lower-income individuals often resist such proposals due to their direct experiences with crime.
Mamdani’s perspective reflects broader elite views suggesting that police involvement should be limited to severe crimes while delegating lesser offenses to social workers and mental health professionals.
City Journal’s Charles Fain Lehman points out the ongoing challenges with such a model, noting that while serious crimes have seen reductions, a rise in public disorder persists, affecting daily life.
For instance, Mamdani’s ideas to utilize “specialists, including peers, mental health professionals, and EMTs” on the subway to assist homeless individuals demonstrate a trust in non-police responses to crises.
However, critics raise questions about the efficacy of this approach in protecting public safety, as exemplified by recent violent incidents in the subway system.
Supporters of Mamdani’s vision believe they are championing justice, yet there exists a critique that this political stance reveals a new form of elitism. Many affluent supporters stand to remain insulated from the real-world consequences if such policies fail.
As the November mayoral race approaches, the contest appears to be increasingly framed as a struggle between the luxury-belief class and the broader voter base, exposing deepened divisions within New York’s electorate.
Ultimately, wealthier voters may support socialist ideals to alleviate guilt associated with their economic status, while true accountability for the repercussions of these policies may fall disproportionately on less affluent constituents.
image source from：city-journal
