The Majority Report with Sam Seder

Episode 3618: Zohran Wins, Democrats Sweep
Guests: Usamah Andrabi (Justice Democrats), Adam Green (Progressive Change Campaign Committee)
Date: November 5, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode unpacks the historic Democratic victories in the 2025 elections, most notably Zohran Mamdani’s stunning win as mayor of New York City, and widespread Democratic successes across the country. Sam Seder and co-hosts are joined by Usamah Andrabi and Adam Green to reflect on the material and symbolic implications of these results for progressive politics and the overall trajectory of the Democratic Party. The tone is celebratory but analytical, with a focus on contrasts among Dem factions, the energized base, and the path forward.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Democratic Domination – An Unprecedented Sweep

Time: 00:12–05:01

• Sam details the "clean sweep" for Democrats:
  • Sweeping Virginia (13–14 seat flips; 64–65 Assembly seats)
  • Spanberger’s historic win margin
  • Breaking the Republican supermajority in Mississippi
  • Democratic wins in Georgia, Maine, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania
  • Major local ballot initiatives and progressive victories nationwide
  • Republicans "wiped out"
• “It’s hard to come up with a scenario where things could have gone better for Democrats.” (Sam Seder, 05:01)

2. Zohran Mamdani: A New Type of Mayoral Victory in NYC

Time: 07:33–15:56

• Mamdani’s win is historic: first mayor from Queens who lives in Queens, first of South Asian descent.
• Mamdani’s victory speech was remarkable—direct, uncompromising toward establishment rivals, yet humble about grassroots support.
  • Memorable Quote:
    “Thank you to those so often forgotten by the politics of our city… Yemeni bodega owners and Mexican abuelas, Senegalese taxi drivers and Uzbek nurses… Trinidadian line cooks and Ethiopian aunties.” (Zohran Mamdani, 08:27–09:13)
• Mamdani refused to be conciliatory to Cuomo (who had Trump’s late endorsement) and cast his win as a rebuke to both Republican and Democratic establishments, with a call for structural change—not just anti-Trump:
  • Quote:
    “If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him... I have four words for you. Turn the volume up.” (Zohran Mamdani, 11:26–12:52)
• Panel underscores Mamdani’s message: defeating Trumpism requires dismantling the systems that enabled him—not just defeating the figurehead.

3. Material vs. Predictive Implications

Time: 05:01–06:43

• Sam notes double significance:
  • Material: Real governing power changes.
  • Predictive/Symbolic: The nature of the sweep sends messages—emboldens progressives, pressures centrists, alarms the right, and complicates DC shutdown politics.

4. Movement-Building and Community – Lessons from the Mamdani Campaign

Guest: Usamah Andrabi (Justice Democrats)
Time: 24:39–42:28

• Andrabi reflects on the scale and diversity of the volunteer base—grassroots leaders, union supporters, canvassers.
  • “This campaign... wasn't just a campaign. It was something to be a part of, something to do on a daily basis.” (Usamah Andrabi, 26:40)
• Contrast with national/global campaigns: Zoran’s effort provided community in a time of atomization, similar in spirit to Bernie’s and even Trump’s rallies, but channeling positive collective energy.

5. A Blueprint for the Party? Tension Between Factions

Time: 27:45–34:55

• Zoran’s campaign seen as a tactical blueprint for future Democratic victories—authentic movement energy, direct outreach, and bold agenda.
• Media and party establishment downplay or ignore this aspect out of fear for their own power.
  • “CNN... Chuck Schumers... they want to be the kingmakers... What we showed... is that Democratic primaries can be a battleground to decide the future.” (Usamah Andrabi, 29:08–32:53)

6. Strategy and Nationalization: Can New York’s Lessons Travel?

Time: 32:53–35:26

• Pushback against the idea that NYC is unique—why shouldn't the nation take cues from its progressive victories?
• Deep blue areas should be where the party’s ambition is highest—and where new tactics are forged.

7. Policy Promises and the Importance of Delivery

Time: 41:07–42:25

• The panel discusses why setting bold promises matters—even if not all are fulfilled, aiming high mobilizes people and creates leverage.
  • “You gotta aim high... you may not fulfill all those promises, but you're going to fulfill more than you would have if you made no promises.” (Sam Seder, 41:07)

Notable Quotes & Moments

On Mamdani’s Moment:

• “He was still very aggressive towards Andrew Cuomo... very humble when it came to talking about all the people that helped him.” (Sam Seder, 09:26)

On the Big Picture:

• “Democrats ran the board, the entire board. We're still digging for a loss anywhere.” (Sam Seder, 00:36)

On Progressive Strategy:

• “Moral courage is a tactical blueprint... to take on real estate corporations, the Democratic establishment... refusing to support even a Democratic nominee and still move forward with a smile.” (Usamah Andrabi, 31:06)

Key Guest Insights

Usamah Andrabi (Justice Democrats)

Time: 24:39–42:28

• Mamdani's campaign is a model for passionate, values-driven, ground-up organizing and offers a glimpse into a refreshed Democratic Party.
• Justice Democrats will channel this energy into primary challenges across the country—removing “hundreds of more Andrew Cuomos” (39:39).

Adam Green (PCCC)

Time: 45:08–66:24

• Frame for party: Will Democrats develop a positive, inspiring vision or coast on anti-Trump energy?
  • “There’s a choice ahead: do we coast on this anti-Trump backlash... or make the investments to build a durable coalition?” (Adam Green, 45:08)
• Praised Mikie Sherrill’s “state of emergency on affordability” campaign rhetoric, noting a shift toward populist messaging.
• Cautioned against mere rhetoric—substance and delivery are key: “Even when politicians... say our words, that's not enough. We need people to actually mean it...” (Adam Green, 49:41)
• Used the “rising floor, rising ceiling” metaphor to describe party change: progressives must press for a higher ceiling, not just a better minimum.

Comparative Electoral Lessons

Time: 45:08–56:34

• Mamdani’s race was driven by campaign promises and clear deliverables (rent, childcare, buses)—voters expect accountability.
• Centrists like Spanberger and Sherrill won big, but the risk is stagnation if meaningful policies don't follow anti-GOP rhetoric.
• Data: Mamdani voters were overwhelmingly “for” him, not just “against” the opposition—a contrast to national trends.

National and Strategic Implications

Time: 56:34–66:24

• The current crop of “institutionalist” Democrats in DC risks watching the moment pass them by if they stick to politics as stewardship, not vision.
  • “The stewardship of a broken system is deeply toxic to the party's brand... The people that are elevating it are the ones saying, ‘we will deliver on a proactive agenda.’” (Emma Vigland, 58:25)
• DC Dems already signaling a cave on the shutdown despite overwhelming victories, illustrating inertia and disconnect from grassroots momentum.

Most Memorable / Emotional Moments

Mamdani’s “Turn the volume up” speech (11:26–12:52):
“I'm like fighting back tears slightly. It's just incredible to see... this courage.” (Co-host, 12:52)

On feeling of real community and accomplishment:
“It was something to be a part of, something to do on a daily basis.” (Usamah Andrabi, 26:40)

Selected Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:12–05:01 — Sam’s election night recap and Democratic victories.
• 07:33–15:56 — Analysis and playback of Mamdani’s victory speech.
• 24:39–42:28 — Usamah Andrabi on the meaning of the win and strategic implications.
• 45:08–56:34 — Adam Green on elections, lessons, and party choices.
• 49:01–49:41 — Sherrill’s affordability push and how it relates to progressive momentum.

Conclusion: "A Blueprint & a Challenge"

This episode casts the Democratic sweep—and especially Mamdani’s win—as a blueprint for the party’s future, rooted in authentic movements, real policy promises, and a willingness to confront not just Republicans but the party establishment and the systemic conditions that enable reactionaries like Trump to rise. Both guests and hosts agree: the next step for progressives is to spread this model, challenge complacency, and push for policies that materially improve lives—not just rhetoric.

For more on supporting progressive primary campaigns:

• Justice Democrats
• PCCC