Key Takeaways
– Zohran Mamdani won the New York City Democratic primary by a wide margin
– His win echoes Upton Sinclair’s surprising 1934 primary victory in California
– Both candidates built grassroots campaigns with bold radical messages
– Business and media elites united to defeat Sinclair in the general election
– Similar forces may try to block Mamdani before the November vote
Introduction
New York just saw a big political surprise. Zohran Mamdani beat former governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary. His win shocked many experts. It also bears a strong resemblance to a major upset in 1934. Back then, author Upton Sinclair stunned California with a sweeping radical plan. First, we look back at Sinclair’s campaign. Then, we explore what this past teaches about Mamdani’s future.
Early Shock in California
In 1934 California felt the pain of the Great Depression. Unemployment neared thirty percent. Most people expected mainstream Democrats to lead the way. Instead, a socialist author entered the race. Upton Sinclair had written a pamphlet called I Governor of California and How I Ended Poverty. His plan aimed to turn idle farms and factories into cooperatives. Production would focus on meeting people’s needs. Sinclair’s message inspired thousands across the state.
Sinclair’s EPIC Vision
Sinclair renamed his program End Poverty in California or EPIC. He urged the state to buy unused land and factories. Next, workers would run them as cooperatives. Sinclair promised steady jobs and basic income. He sold this idea through a small newspaper called EPIC News. By election day, over eight hundred local EPIC clubs had formed. Volunteers rang doorbells, held rallies, and sold papers. They spread Sinclair’s vision from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
A Stunning Primary Victory
Mainstream Democrats underestimated Sinclair until it was too late. By primary day he held a huge lead. He won more votes than all his rivals combined. Newspapers around the world asked how the voters swung so far left. Many wondered if this signaled a radical future for the national party. Yet Sinclair still faced a tough general election. Powerful forces readied a fierce campaign to stop him.
Sinclair Faces the General Election
Business leaders saw Sinclair’s plan as a threat to profits. They united in a cross party alliance. Major newspapers joined the effort to label him a dangerous radical. They ran relentless stories about his socialist past. At the same time, they cast fear by claiming big companies would leave the state. The campaign used billboards radio ads and newsreels to hammer Sinclair. Meanwhile conservative Democrats formed groups called Democrats for Merriam. They pushed Sinclair’s rival as a safer choice.
A Third Candidate Splits the Vote
In addition, a Progressive Party candidate siphoned off left leaning votes. Raymond Haight ran on a centrist platform. He claimed to be a moderate alternative for those who found Sinclair too extreme. His presence in the race divided progressive minded voters. Without a unified front, Sinclair could not mobilize his base as effectively. In the end he lost to incumbent Frank Merriam by a clear margin.
Modern Echo in New York
Fast forward to New York City in 2025. Zohran Mamdani upset Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary. Many experts never saw his win coming. Like Sinclair Mamdani ran as an outsider. He tapped into grassroots activism and bold ideas. He also built a unique coalition that cut across age race and income lines. As a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and a Muslim he broke many molds. Yet his coalition proved strong enough to win.
Mamdani’s Unique Coalition
Mamdani attracted young voters angered by rising rents and student loans. He gained support from working families seeking safer streets and better schools. Many Muslim New Yorkers rallied behind a candidate who shared their background. Progressive groups in Brooklyn Queens and the Bronx joined forces. They knocked on doors and organized community events. Their volunteer army looked a lot like the EPIC clubs of 1934.
A Growing Movement to Stop Mamdani
However a movement to stop Mamdani has already begun. Some billionaire donors promise millions for an opposing campaign. They warn of financial threats if a socialist wins in New York. Several major media outlets have floated dire predictions about the city’s economy. These tactics echo the fear machine that targeted Sinclair. They frame Mamdani as too extreme to lead the city.
Multiple Rivals Could Split the Vote
In addition to business money the election field includes several rivals. Eric Adams left the Democratic primary and now runs as an independent. He hopes to attract moderate Democrats and some Republicans. Former governor Cuomo also stays in the race as an independent. His presence may pull votes from Adams more than from Mamdani. Finally Republican Curtis Sliwa remains on the ballot. Three rivals may divide the anti Mamdani vote in November.
Religion in the Campaign
Religion plays a notable role in both campaigns. Sinclair faced attacks for his atheism. Opponents spread quotes from his books critical of religion. Yet statistics show these attacks had little impact on his vote share. In New York Mamdani may face religious based critiques too. Some opponents call attention to antisemitism threats under his leadership. Adams plans to make this theme central to his campaign. How much this will shift votes remains unclear.
Lessons from the Past
First radicals can win major primary elections with grassroots power. Second business and media elites may unite to block radical candidates. Third third party or independent candidates can tip the balance in a close race. Fourth attacks on a candidate’s beliefs rarely sway core supporters. Finally the story shows that a primary win does not guarantee victory in November.
What Comes Next for Mamdani
Mamdani now prepares for a tougher general election. He must raise more funds to compete with billions of dollars. He needs to prevent rivals from siphoning critical votes. He must also defend against a fear based campaign targeting his background. Yet he can draw strength from his diverse coalition and clear message. If he holds that base together he can defy the odds again.
A Turning Point for American Politics
Just as Sinclair’s run tested the limits of the Democratic Party in the 1930s so Mamdani’s campaign could reshape today’s party. His rise highlights a growing hunger for bold solutions among city voters. It also reveals how elites mobilize to defend the status quo. The coming months will show if history repeats or if New York writes a new chapter.
Conclusion
The epic contest of 1934 California offers a clear mirror for 2025 New York. Both Sinclair and Mamdani stunned experts with grassroots strength and radical messages. Both face powerful coalitions determined to block their path. Now Zohran Mamdani stands at the precipice of a defining battle. Will he secure a historic win or see his movement stalled by a well funded opposition Just as Sinclair’s story ended with a tough defeat so this modern saga remains far from over. Only time will tell if Mamdani’s coalition can carry him over the finish line and into City Hall.