Queens, New York City, was the epicenter of political fervor over the weekend as two of the country’s most prominent progressive voices, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), took to the stage to rally support for Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani. Their message was clear: this mayoral race is not just about New York City—it’s about the future direction of the entire nation, and it’s a direct challenge to the political legacy of President Donald Trump.
The rally, held on October 26, 2025, drew a large and enthusiastic crowd of Mamdani supporters in Queens. Ocasio-Cortez, never one to shy away from the national spotlight, set the tone early. “The election of Zohran is as important as our cause today,” she declared, her voice ringing out across the gathered crowd. “Child care, buses, rent and our rights, here in New York City — it is the jewel and the center of all that is possible in America.” According to The New York Times, Ocasio-Cortez made it clear that the stakes extended far beyond local politics. “And on Nov. 4, we will prove it to the world, and we will prove it to the nation, and we will send a loud message to President Donald Trump that his authoritarianism is no good here.”
Ocasio-Cortez didn’t mince words when addressing the broader implications of the race. “This is America, New York City. Don’t let them tell you any different. Don’t let them tell you that we are the exception. We are the rule. We are the standard. We are the acceptance, and we set the bar for America,” she said, pointedly adding, “I’m talking to you, Donald Trump.”
Senator Sanders, who introduced Mamdani at the rally, echoed these sentiments and elevated the event’s sense of urgency. Sanders, a longtime champion of working-class Americans and a frequent critic of elite power, told the crowd, “At a moment when Americans are extremely distressed about where we are as a nation, economically and politically, a victory here in New York will give hope and inspiration to people throughout our country and throughout the world.”
Sanders didn’t stop there. He emphasized the unity of diverse communities in the fight against what he called the oligarchy. “Ordinary people, working class people, Black and white and Latino, Asian, gay and straight, coming together to take on the oligarchy that is Trump’s worst nightmare,” Sanders proclaimed, according to The Guardian. “Brothers and sisters, with your help, over the next eight days, this young man is going to make American history.”
The rally was more than just a local campaign event—it quickly became a flashpoint in the national conversation about democracy, power, and the direction of the country. The following day, on October 27, Sanders delivered a fiery address that captured global attention for its blunt challenge to elite dominance. “America is moving toward an authoritarian society,” Sanders warned, directly criticizing the current administration. He accused Washington of undermining the Constitution and the rule of law, and he called on working-class Americans to unite against the “oligarchs” controlling economic and political power.
“In 2025, when those at the top have more power than ever,” Sanders said, “ordinary people can — and will — rise together to defeat them.” His remarks, which were widely shared on social media and covered by outlets such as The Washington Post, struck a chord with many who feel disillusioned by the concentration of power in the hands of a few.
The rally was not without its share of drama. President Donald Trump, whose presence loomed large over the event, was repeatedly booed by the crowd. Trump, for his part, has not shied away from the confrontation. Throughout the 2025 general election campaign, he has publicly clashed with Mamdani, warning that if elected mayor, Mamdani “is going to have problems with Washington like no Mayor in the history of our once great city.”
In late September, Trump took to Truth Social to lob accusations at Mamdani, labeling him a “self-proclaimed New York City Communist” and suggesting that his candidacy would ultimately benefit Republicans. “Self proclaimed New York City Communist, Zohran Mamdani, who is running for Mayor, will prove to be one of the best things to ever happen to our great Republican Party,” Trump wrote. He went further, claiming, “Remember, he needs the money from me, as President, in order to fulfill all of his fake communist promises. He won’t be getting any of it, so what’s the point of voting for him?”
This ongoing feud between Trump and Mamdani has only heightened the stakes of the mayoral contest. For progressives, Mamdani’s campaign represents a chance to push back against what they see as creeping authoritarianism and the outsized influence of the wealthy elite. For Trump and his supporters, the race is a referendum on the future of New York City and, by extension, the nation’s political direction.
Sanders’s warnings about authoritarianism resonated with many in the crowd, who see the current political climate as a battle for the soul of American democracy. According to Reuters, Sanders’s speech underscored the sense of urgency felt by many on the left: “Sanders accused Washington of undermining the Constitution and rule of law and called on working-class Americans to unite against the oligarchs controlling economic and political power.”
The rally also highlighted the diversity and energy of Mamdani’s coalition. Sanders called on “working-class Americans of diverse backgrounds” to unite, emphasizing the importance of solidarity across racial, ethnic, and social lines. This message of unity was echoed by Ocasio-Cortez, who framed New York City as a beacon for the rest of the country.
As the November 4 election approaches, all eyes are on New York City. The outcome of the mayoral race is being watched not just by locals, but by people across the nation—and even around the world—who see it as a bellwether for broader political trends. Will Mamdani’s progressive vision prevail, or will Trump’s warnings about chaos and dysfunction resonate with voters?
One thing is clear: the stakes have rarely felt higher. As Sanders put it, “A victory here in New York will give hope and inspiration to people throughout our country and throughout the world.” For supporters of Mamdani, the race is about more than just city hall—it’s about sending a message that democracy, unity, and justice can triumph over division and fear.
With just days left until the election, the outcome remains uncertain. But if the energy on display in Queens is any indication, New York City’s mayoral race is shaping up to be one for the history books.
