Reflections on the Election of Mamdani: Obama and Clinton’s Support in the Face of Trump’s Threat

Following the victory of Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral race — a Muslim Shia social-democrat figure — various U.S. personalities including the President of the country responded.
According to Rokna, Zohran Mamdani, the victorious candidate in the New York City mayoral election, addressed Trump in his victory speech after the election: “I know you are watching; so turn up the volume; New York will remain the city of immigrants.”

Trump’s Reaction to Mamdani’s Election

In his first reaction to Mamdani’s victory, Trump wrote on his Truth Social account: “According to the polls, the absence of Trump in the election and the government shutdown were two reasons Republicans lost tonight.” Trump also posted another message on his account on Truth Social which carried an implicit threat: “And so it begins…” That ambiguous post from Trump came after he had earlier threatened that if Mamdani prevailed, he would cut federal allocated funding to New York City.

Obama’s Congratulations to Mamdani

On the other hand, Barack Obama, the President of the United States, after the victory of Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral election, extended his congratulations: Obama wrote on his X account: “Congratulations to all the Democratic candidates who won tonight. This reminds us that when we come together and have strong, forward-looking leaders who care about issues, we can win.” Obama continued: “We still have many tasks to perform; but the future seems a little brighter.”

Sanders: I eagerly look forward to working with Zohran

Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont also reacted to Mamdani’s victory, welcoming it and reaffirming his support. He wrote on his X account: “Mamdani has ushered one of the greatest political surprises in modern American history.” He also wrote: “We can build a government that represents working people, not just the 1 % wealthy. I eagerly look forward to working with Zohran to build a city that works for everyone.”

Reaction of the Speaker of the U.S. House

Yet, from the opposite side, Mike Johnson, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and a Republican, responded negatively to Mamdani’s election, saying: “The consequences of choosing a genuinely radical Marxist throughout the country will be felt.” Johnson wrote on his X account: “The election of Zohran Mamdani reinforces the conversion of the Democratic Party into a large radical welfare-state party.”

Hillary Clinton: Congratulations to the future mayor of the world’s greatest city

Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State, reacting to Mamdani’s victory, wrote on her X account: “In this year more people participated in the New York elections than in the past 50 years. This is a victory for democracy and a testament to Zohran Mamdani’s inspiring campaign. Congratulations to the future mayor of the world’s greatest city.”