‘Let’s F**king Go’: Zohran Mamdani Supporters Celebrate ‘Ray Of Light’ In A Dark Political Moment

NEW YORK — Yells of “Let’s F**king Go” erupted at a Long Island City viewing party for state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani when news broke that former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo was officially conceding to the democratic socialist in the New York City mayoral primary on Tuesday evening.

Mamdani’s success comes as his once-long shot — and unabashedly progressive — campaign surged in momentum in recent weeks. For many of his most devoted supporters, it’s been a respite and animating force amid the otherwise dispiriting politics of the current moment.

“It has been a ray of light, a ray of hope and that’s both because of the way that Zohran has committed to building a grassroots campaign and it’s also because we know what’s at stake,” said 35-year-old Sasha Wijeyeratne, the Jackson Heights-based director of an organization called CAAAV Voice, which worked with Mamdani to develop his rent freeze proposal. “The ability to actually win that in a moment and in a city when the national political landscape is so dark, that’s been incredible.”

Multiple supporters cited challenges of affordability in the city and Mamdani’s willingness to meet with as many New Yorkers as he could as major draws for his campaign.

“I think young people are worried about staying in the city. I’m a born-and-raised New Yorker and I don’t know if I’ll be able to stay here because of how unaffordable it’s become,” said Miranda, a 30-year-old volunteer coordinator with the Democratic Socialists of America from Brooklyn.

They also touted the affirmative message he offered about providing services such as free buses, child care and affordable housing.

“It’s a message of optimism and hope and no one else is delivering that,” added Julie, a 38-year-old Brooklyn resident. “People don’t want to just doomscroll on their phone all day. Zohran is saying a better world is possible.”

Mamdani’s victory is a seismic win for progressives and one that supporters see as sending a decisive message to the Democratic Party, which has often been skittish about embracing those on the left.

“I hope and pray that the Democratic Party actually hears the message that’s being offered today, which is that it doesn’t help to play to the center, and that people are struggling,” Wijeyeratne said. “That’s what this election was about. Offering a real alternative with concrete plans to get there. The lesson is there if they want it.”

Mamdani hinted at similar hopes in his victory speech.

“[New York] is where the mayor will use his power to reject Donald Trump’s fascism, to stop ICE agents from deporting our neighbors and to govern our city as a model for the Democratic Party,” Mamdani said, referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “A party where we fight for working people with no apology.”