Bernie Sanders and Zohran Mamdani Rally Progressive Support in Brooklyn
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders brought his Fighting the Oligarchy Tour to Brooklyn College on Saturday night, energizing thousands of progressive voters alongside New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani.
The event drew more than 1,700 people, underscoring both Sanders’s national push to challenge wealth inequality and Mamdani’s rising prominence in a mayoral race that has captured national attention.
Mamdani Draws Fire — and Energy — from Progressives and Critics
“Politics can be powered by ordinary people,” Mamdani told the packed auditorium, positioning himself as the people’s candidate against entrenched corporate and political power.
The Democratic socialist has faced sharp criticism from moderates and conservatives, including President Donald Trump, who recently labeled him “a communist.” Despite the attacks, Mamdani continues to connect with working- and middle-class voters on issues such as economic justice, childcare affordability, and corporate influence in politics.
Sanders Targets Billionaires and Corporate Media
Sanders, who has taken his tour to 21 states and addressed over 300,000 people, focused on income inequality and corporate dominance. He slammed billionaire media owners, including David Ellison of Paramount, accusing them of shielding the White House from scrutiny.
He also criticized Tesla CEO Elon Musk after shareholders approved a record $1 trillion compensation package.
“We are living in a crazy world,” Sanders said. “Millions are struggling to put food on the table, while one man is made a trillionaire.”
Mamdani’s Battle with Big Business
Mamdani, meanwhile, highlighted corporate efforts to undermine his campaign, pointing to DoorDash’s $1 million push against him.
“New York City is not for sale,” he declared, drawing loud applause.
Despite tensions with the business community, Mamdani has attempted outreach, recently meeting with New York business leaders in what advocacy groups described as “productive” talks.
Childcare at the Center of Debate
One of the most emotional moments of the town hall came during a discussion on childcare. A working mother shared that she spends $36,000 annually on care for her children.
“We have to feel the depth of the statistics we have grown numb to,” Mamdani said, reaffirming his proposal for free childcare for children from six weeks to five years old.
Trump Administration’s Shadow Over NYC Race
The progressive surge comes against the backdrop of alleged Trump administration interference in the New York mayoral race. Reports suggest Trump has offered support to embattled incumbent Eric Adams, who trails far behind Mamdani in most polls.
The New York Times reported that Adams is even being considered for a diplomatic post in a potential Trump administration — a claim both Trump and Adams have publicly denied. Still, speculation has fueled further intrigue in a race already marked by controversy.
A Defining Moment for Progressives
As Mamdani maintains a double-digit lead over his closest rival, former governor Andrew Cuomo, his campaign is being closely watched as a test of progressive power in America’s largest city.
Sanders’s nationwide tour and Mamdani’s local momentum have combined to highlight a growing movement that frames the fight against inequality and corporate influence as central to America’s future.