Odd Lots Podcast Summary Episode: Zohran Mamdani, the Socialist Who Could Be NYC's New Mayor (Rerelease) Release Date: June 25, 2025 Hosts: Joe Weisenthal and Tracy Alloway

Introduction: Re-Releasing a Pivotal Episode

Tracy Alloway announces the re-release of a significant episode featuring Zoran Mamdani, a leading candidate for the Democratic nomination for New York City’s mayoral race.

Tracy Alloway (02:10):
“We are re-releasing an episode that we recorded on May 23 with Zoran Mamdani.”

Joe Weisenthal (02:32):
“Just last night Zoran won the Democratic nomination to be the new mayor of New York City. He is the massive favorite going into the general election...”

Zoran Mamdani’s Political Identity and Vision

Zoran Mamdani identifies himself as a Democratic Socialist, drawing inspiration from Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign.

Zoran Mamdani (05:18):
“I am a democratic socialist. ... one where every person has the dignity they need to live a decent life.”

Joe Weisenthal (05:37):
“I was a Bernie supporter before it became cool.”

Focused Platform on Income Inequality and Housing

Mamdani emphasizes the pressing issue of income inequality in NYC, highlighting that one in four New Yorkers live in poverty in what is considered the most expensive city in the U.S.

Zoran Mamdani (05:49):
“Our platform is at its core to make this city affordable and to use every tool at city government's disposal to do so...”

Critique of Current Administration: Eric Adams

Zoran criticizes Mayor Eric Adams for exacerbating the cost of living through policies like significant rent increases and supporting utility rate hikes.

Zoran Mamdani (06:27):
“...he raised rents more than 9%. ... sided with Walmart in support of Con Edison’s request to raise those rates by $65 a month on average.”

Comprehensive Housing Reform Proposals

Mamdani outlines a multifaceted approach to tackle NYC's housing crisis, advocating for both rent freezes and regulatory reforms to increase housing supply.

Tracy Alloway (07:37):
“So since you mentioned housing and the rent freeze, you support a rent freeze, lower rents...”

Zoran Mamdani (08:03):
“I believe we need to freeze the rent for rent-stabilized tenants, end parking requirements, increase density around mass transit hubs...”

Expanding Affordable Housing and Public Housing Improvements

He addresses the inefficiencies in public housing, particularly NYCHA, proposing doubled funding for NYCHA housing preservation and faster vacancy turnover.

Zoran Mamdani (13:00):
“We propose doubling the amount of money we spend on preserving NYCHA housing...”

Zoran Mamdani (14:52):
“People are waiting for months to have repairs conducted... the time it takes to fill a vacant unit in NYCHA now exceeds more than a year.”

Innovative Proposal: Municipal Grocery Stores

Mamdani introduces a pilot program for municipally owned grocery stores aimed at addressing both affordability and food desert issues.

Zoran Mamdani (16:39):
“What this proposal does is it not only guarantees cheaper groceries, but it also guarantees that those groceries can be in the very neighborhoods of New Yorkers that are being denied that service today.”

Tracy Alloway (18:20):
“...subsidized groceries that exist in America, and why not have them in New York?”

Tax Reforms to Fund Public Services

He outlines a strategy to raise corporate and income taxes on the wealthy to generate $10 billion for enhancing public services.

Zoran Mamdani (32:15):
“Our proposal is to raise the top state corporate tax rate to match that of New Jersey’s 11.5%, raising $5 billion... increase New York City's income tax rate on the top 1% of income earners by 2%, raising $4 billion...”

Enhancing Public Safety and Public Goods

Mamdani emphasizes improving the quality of public services and safety without compromising on excellence.

Zoran Mamdani (27:05):
“You have to believe just as much in public excellence. ... create a Department of Community Safety...”

Joe Weisenthal (25:02):
“I am an avid utilizer of many of the public goods that New York City provides...”

Addressing Efficiency and Public Trust

He responds to concerns about the efficiency of government-run services by pledging to earn public trust through excellence and proven models.

Zoran Mamdani (23:11):
“I have to earn the public's trust and I will do that every single day as the mayor of this city...”

Zoran Mamdani (25:29):
“I would judge the success in their provision of affordable groceries...”

Political Strategy and Overcoming Intra-Left Challenges

Mamdani discusses the challenges within the left-wing electorate and his strategy to garner broad-based support across diverse communities.

Zoran Mamdani (38:47):
“We are the only campaign other than Cuomo to have broken double digits with every single ethnic group across the city.”

Zoran Mamdani (39:16):
“Representatives from DC37, the largest municipal union... explicitly chose not to endorse Andrew Cuomo because of his policies impacting working-class New Yorkers.”

Commitment to Competent Governance

He contrasts his approach with incumbent politicians, emphasizing competence, diverse team-building, and effective policy implementation.

Zoran Mamdani (42:06):
“...executing well. How are you going to get things done?...”

Zoran Mamdani (43:47):
“I am interested in a style of leadership that understands that ultimately the buck stops with me, and that I have to build a team that speaks to a wide breadth of opinion...”

Personal Anecdotes and Cultural Connections

The conversation lightens with discussions about Bollywood, reflecting Mamdani’s personal background and cultural influences.

Zoran Mamdani (47:31):
“My mother is an Indian filmmaker... she met my father while researching for the film Mississippi Masala.”

Conclusion: Building a Better NYC

The episode concludes with reaffirmations of Mamdani’s commitment to transforming New York City through comprehensive, equitable policies and efficient governance.

Tracy Alloway (48:39):
“Examples of subsidized groceries do exist...”

Joe Weisenthal (50:00):
“I feel like it's fine... some of them are absolutely incredible, like the libraries.”

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Zoran Mamdani (05:18):
  “I am a democratic socialist... one where every person has the dignity they need to live a decent life.”

• Zoran Mamdani (08:03):
  “We need to freeze the rent for rent-stabilized tenants... increase density around mass transit hubs.”

• Zoran Mamdani (16:39):
  “Our proposal is to not only guarantee cheaper groceries but also situate these stores in underserved neighborhoods.”

• Zoran Mamdani (32:15):
  “Raising the top state corporate tax rate to match New Jersey’s 11.5% will raise $5 billion...”

• Zoran Mamdani (43:47):
  “I am interested in a style of leadership that understands that ultimately the buck stops with me...”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Odd Lots offers an in-depth look at Zoran Mamdani’s candidacy for NYC mayor, highlighting his progressive platform, critiques of current policies, and vision for a more equitable and efficiently governed New York City. Through detailed discussions and personal insights, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of his approach to tackling some of the city’s most pressing issues.

For more insights and detailed discussions, visit Bloomberg Odd Lots.