Zohran Mamdani Defies the New York Post’s Onslaught

Six months into his mayoralty, Mamdani’s approval has risen to 58 percent, with only 26 percent disapproving, according to a Siena University poll released in late June. The ratings surpass those of the Democratic Party statewide and contrast sharply with the relentless daily criticism the mayor receives from the right-wing tabloid.

The Guardian

Since Mamdani launched his campaign in late 2024, the Post has published 29 articles in a single three-day span, targeting his stance on Israel, proposals for public supermarkets and school investment, a police officer’s name spelling, alleged neglect of Little Italy, and even his wife’s vacation. Earlier coverage warned of fleeing billionaires, soaring crime and municipal bankruptcy—predictions that have not materialized. Office-leasing data show more space was leased in the first quarter of 2026 than in the previous quarter, contradicting the paper’s alarmist narrative.

The Guardian

Mamdani’s endorsements helped three congressional candidates win their primaries in June, demonstrating his influence beyond the city. The combination of rising favorability and stable economic indicators suggests the Post’s attacks have not shifted voter sentiment or business decisions.

The Guardian

Commentators note that the Post has yet to find a resonant line of attack. Ross Barkan, author and columnist, observes that unlike former mayor Bill de Blasio—who was portrayed as a “feckless liberal”—Mamdani “can’t run for president” and therefore “is not distracted by the national spotlight.” Angelo Carusone, president of Media Matters for America, argues that Mamdani “understands media” and is effectively “out-Murdoch-ing Murdoch,” bypassing traditional tabloid influence.

The Guardian

• “The New York Post is very influential, but there’s a real chance that it has met its match in Mamdani, that’s the shift here, and there’s never been a politician of his national stature and ability to combat the Post until he arrived on the scene,” — Ross Barkan, author and columnist

The Guardian

• “He did have relative popularity, but he was never beloved, and he did not have the same ability, unlike Mamdani, to exert his political will in various [political] races,” — Ross Barkan

The Guardian

• “One of the problems for the Post is that Mamdani understands media. He’s out-Murdoch-ing Murdoch,” — Angelo Carusone, president of Media Matters for America

The Guardian

• “Everything was apocalyptic, but the amount that they’ve overexaggerated all these things becomes sort of self-defeating,” — Angelo Carusone

The Guardian

• “They attack Mamdani every day, but the average New Yorker looks at some of their criticisms and rolls their eyes, because they’ve not yet found the talking point that sticks.” — Ross Barkan

The Guardian