zohran mandani in nyc, a bunch of us in tacoma
Everyone’s talking about Zohran Mamdani’s upset victory in New York, which reverberates for young(ish) left politicians like me throughout the country. But we should also celebrate local victories for tenants and workers. Like Mamdani’s, they’re grounded in deeply felt issues, winning messages and building people power. But, like Mamdani, we’ve still got our work cut out for us in November.
I’ll never forget Mamdani’s victory, both from its immeasurable significance and from what I was doing when I heard. Like Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, his campaign proves that transformative messages, centering the issues and mobilizing a diverse working class base can win, even in the country’s biggest, wealthiest city. His platform of free transportation, free childcare, and taxing the rich mobilized 10,000 volunteers knocking 1.5 million doors to beat the Cuomo dynasty. And like AOC, myself and more folks every day, he campaigned openly as a Democratic Socialists of America member.
What’s even better was hearing the news with Tacoma For All supporters at a local bar, celebrating after we got city council to include powerful language for tenant protections and social housing in the OneTacoma Comprehensive Plan. We were already proud of our organizing and turnout, but Mamdani’s win had us cheering, hugging and clinking glasses.
The vibe only grew the next day, when United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 367 and DSA leaders turned in 10,000 signatures to get a Workers Bill of Rights initiative on the ballot this November.
I recently encountered a Tacoma Subreddit thread asking who was Tacoma’s Zohran Mamdani. I loved that the original poster listed my friend, endorser and Mayoral candidate Katie Wilson filling that role for Seattle, and I was elated by dozens of replies and upvotes for my friend, comrade and endorser Zev Cook filling it in Tacoma. It’s fitting, as Zev is a young Democratic Socialists of America leader, an anti-Zionist Jew, and running on a bold platform supporting social housing, worker rights and more.
And while we’re all “young”, Zev, Katie and I are also veteran organizers, uncompromising in our values, and always down to fight for our diverse working class. That’s why I’m so honored to have their endorsements, and to just this week receive the formal endorsement of the Transit Riders Union, where Katie serves as General Secretary.
I’m so excited to be on the ballot with Zev Cook and the Workers Bill of Rights. I wish I could vote for Katie Wilson and Zohran Mamdani, too.
hit the doors for me… and yours
On that note, I’ve started campaigning in earnest. I’ve been calling and texting supporters from my prior race, building a volunteer program, and raising funds from friends new and old. We’ll surpass $8,000 raised this week, just in time to help pay for these cute walk cards and mailers. YOU can donate today to help make that a reality!
I don’t have a primary, so I’m holding off on major expenditures and doors for a bit, but I’m personally volunteering throughout July for folks I’m endorsing on City Council like Zev (district 5), Latasha Palmer (District 6), and Silong Chhun (District 4). I’ll also be hitting doors for other progressive Charter Review candidates with primaries and elevating them in newsletters. Keep reading, and remember to vote in the August 5th Primary.