College Students Lead the Mamdani Wave

College students throughout the city are scrambling to find the mayoral candidate who will represent them for the next four years. Democrat Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, Independent former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa all promise a safer, cleaner and more affordable New York.

Students here at The City College of New York (CCNY)  seem to gravitate toward  Zohran Mamdani, whose policies resonate with younger and first time voters, “He’s like the Princess Diana of New York.” Marylin Flores, a junior history major said.0

CCNY students worry about the cost of living. Nikoli, who didn’t want to give his last name, said he is concerned about, “food prices due to the trade war. That is something that is badly impacting the community.” Marilyn Flores agreed. “I like the idea of city funded grocery, he’s [Mamdani] structured towards the individuals and families who rely on food pantries.” Which is increasingly important with the government shutdown affecting millions of Americans’ access to SNAP benefits.

CCNY students also struggle with rent and secure housing in the city. Median asking prices for apartments in New York City have increased 5.6% across all five borough in the last year according to Realtor.com, 

“ I have heard that Mamdani is working on lowering rent prices and freezing some people’s rents. Considering I want to have an apartment soon, this would help me immensely and I think the housing crisis is definitely important to address by the winning candidate in the coming years,” said Josh Montero, a sophomore and popular music major.

Mamdani appeals to students because they want a cheaper and more progressive New York. No student mentioned Curtis Sliwa, and only one had something to say about former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Flores said that she would not vote for him because she wanted a “..step away from corporate dominance.” She also said that she wanted, “a mayor who isn’t in love with Donald Trump would be good.”