Call Me Back - Bonus Episode: A Pivotal Mayoral Race for NYC’s Jews with Howard Wolfson

Release Date: June 21, 2025

In this compelling bonus episode of Call Me Back, host Dan Senor engages in a critical conversation with Howard Wolfson, a seasoned figure in New York City politics and the education program leader at Bloomberg Philanthropies. The episode delves deep into the high-stakes Democratic primary for the New York City mayoral race, emphasizing its profound implications for the city's Jewish community and the broader Democratic Party.

1. Introduction to the Mayoral Race

Dan Senor opens the discussion by setting the scene on June 20, 2025, highlighting two major news stories dominating the day:

• Israel's War with Iran: Intensely covered by both international and Israeli media, intertwining global politics with local concerns.

• New York City Democratic Mayoral Primary: Scheduled for Tuesday, June 24th, this election has garnered national and diaspora attention due to its significance for the Jewish community.

Notable Quote:

Howard Wolfson [00:04]: “This race is going to come down to two people, Zoran Mandami and Andrew Cuomo. We may wish that there were a better set of choices. There aren't.”

2. The Candidates: Andrew Cuomo vs. Zoran Mandami

Andrew Cuomo

Howard Wolfson presents Andrew Cuomo as the establishment's favorite, despite his recent resignation from the governorship amid sexual misconduct allegations. Cuomo's extensive political background includes serving as New York's Attorney General and three terms as governor. His campaign is characterized by a mainstream Democratic stance, promising increased policing and fiscal responsibility.

Notable Quote:

Howard Wolfson [12:11]: “He has a record of accomplishment. If you've flown in and out of LaGuardia... you can see that when he puts his mind to something, he can get things done.”

Zoran Mandami

At 33 years old, Zoran Mandami represents the far-left wing of the Democratic Party, identifying as a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). His platform includes progressive policies such as rent freezes, free bus fares, and state-run supermarkets. Mandami's outspoken stance on Israel and support for movements like BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) have raised significant concerns within the Jewish community.

Notable Quotes:

Howard Wolfson [15:06]: “He is an unabashed member of the Democratic Socialists of America... he is a real socialist.”

Howard Wolfson [22:08]: “He is a very sincere opponent of the State of Israel, period.”

3. Ranked Choice Voting and Its Implications

The episode explains New York City's ranked choice voting system, where voters can rank up to five candidates. This method allows for a more nuanced expression of voter preferences and can lead to strategic voting to ensure preferred candidates advance in the final rounds.

Notable Quote:

Howard Wolfson [07:42]: “They don't have to. You can choose to rank one, or you can choose to rank two, three, four, or five.”

4. The Stakes for the Jewish Community

A significant portion of the discussion centers on how Mandami's policies and past affiliations might impact New York City's Jewish population. His history with Students for Justice in Palestine and controversial statements, such as advocating for the "globalization of the Intifada," have sparked fears of increased anti-Semitism and decreased support for Israel within city governance.

Notable Quotes:

Zoran Mandami [19:19]: “The very word is has been used by the Holocaust Museum when translating the Warsaw Ghetto uprising into Arabic... what we need to do is focus on keeping Jewish New Yorkers safe.”

Howard Wolfson [22:51]: “I worry that this is perhaps the beginning of a trend and not the end of one, regardless of the outcome.”

5. Broader Implications for the Democratic Party

Wolfson expresses concern that Mandami's potential victory could signal a shift within the Democratic Party towards more extreme leftist positions, potentially alienating moderate voters and weakening the party's stance on crucial international alliances, particularly with Israel.

Notable Quote:

Howard Wolfson [24:56]: “This could change the trajectory of this issue in a way that is very disadvantageous to those of us who support a strong US-Israel relationship.”

6. Endorsements and Campaign Dynamics

Andrew Cuomo has secured endorsements from prominent figures like Mike Bloomberg, who leads Bloomberg Super PAC, and political heavyweights such as Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) have backed Mandami. These endorsements highlight the deep ideological divides within the Democratic Party.

Notable Quote:

Howard Wolfson [30:52]: “AOC and Bernie Sanders in particular… they both endorsed him. So, yeah, I think that they see a possibility for his success.”

7. Voter Turnout and Final Call to Action

With early voting showing high turnout, Wolfson emphasizes the critical need for Democratic voters to participate actively in the primary. He warns against complacency, stressing that the race is likely to culminate in a direct showdown between Cuomo and Mandami, leaving little room for fringe candidates.

Notable Quotes:

Howard Wolfson [32:08]: “Andrew Cuomo, as flawed as he may be, is an absolutely better choice than somebody who wants to defund the police...”

Howard Wolfson [35:21]: “If you are a registered Democrat and what you have heard today concerns you or you really care about the future of New York, do not sit this out.”

8. Conclusion and Future Outlook

Dan Senor wraps up the episode by reiterating the gravity of the upcoming election and the pivotal choices voters face. The conversation underscores the broader implications of the mayoral race, not just for New York City but for the ideological direction of the Democratic Party nationwide.

Notable Quote:

Howard Wolfson [32:08]: “Those are the choices, and nobody should be under any illusions about that when they go to vote.”

Key Takeaways

• Duality of Choices: The primary narrows down to Andrew Cuomo, a mainstream Democrat with a significant political legacy despite personal controversies, and Zoran Mandami, a young, progressive socialist with policies that challenge traditional Democratic stances, especially regarding Israel.

• Impact on Jewish Community: Mandami's potential election raises alarms within the Jewish community due to his anti-Israel rhetoric and affiliations with pro-Palestinian movements, threatening the community's safety and political influence in the city.

• Democratic Party Dynamics: The race exemplifies the internal struggles within the Democratic Party between centrist and progressive factions, with the outcome potentially reshaping national political landscapes.

• Voter Participation: High voter turnout is crucial, as the ranked choice voting system will likely determine that the final decision rests between Cuomo and Mandami, making every vote significant.

This episode serves as a critical analysis of a mayoral race that stands at the crossroads of local governance, community safety, and national political trends. Howard Wolfson's insights provide a sobering perspective on the future of New York City and the Democratic Party, urging listeners to engage thoughtfully and decisively in the electoral process.