The Chicago Tribune has issued a stern warning to New York City Democratic voters, cautioning them against supporting Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist running for mayor in the upcoming primary election. The editorial board has drawn a direct parallel between Mamdani’s policies and those of Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson, a former democratic socialist whose tenure has been marked by significant financial challenges in the city. The Tribune argues that New York voters should look to Chicago as a cautionary example, having seen the consequences of electing a progressive mayor who championed bold but ultimately unworkable initiatives.
The editorial board has highlighted the financial struggles of Chicago under Johnson’s leadership, including the failure to implement a $300 million tax hike and a ‘mansion tax’ that sought to increase real estate transfer taxes. The Tribune warns that Mamdani’s platform—comprising a rent freeze, free bus service, and high taxes on corporations and the wealthy—mirrors Johnson’s approach, which has led to fiscal difficulties and a lack of affordable housing. The article underscores the risk of electing such a candidate, suggesting that New Yorkers may be exchanging the current challenges under Mayor Eric Adams for an even more severe financial crisis.
Despite this, the Tribune notes that Mamdani is gaining momentum in the Democratic primary race, with his lead over former Governor Andrew Cuomo shrinking in recent polls. However, the editorial board argues that the city’s ranked choice voting system gives an advantage to radical candidates like Mamdani, as low voter turnout can skew the results in their favor. The Tribune warns that this could lead to a mayor who is less competitive and less financially secure than Adams, citing the financial chaos in Chicago as an example of what New York might face if Mamdani is elected.