Latest news with #mayoralCandidate

Wall Street Journal
a day ago
- Politics
- Wall Street Journal
Zohran Mamdani Is Like a Bad Therapist
A patient recently came to my New York therapy practice, shaken after witnessing a violent assault outside her apartment. 'This is why we need Mamdani,' she said, referring to Zohran Mamdani, the socialist mayoral candidate who wants to replace police with social workers—a policy that feels good but actually fuels the urban decline my client witnessed. After more than two decades as a psychotherapist, I understand the reflex to trust a comforting illusion, in both therapy and politics. In therapy, false relief traps patients in their problems. In politics, it traps cities in decline. Our cities are being run like bad therapy sessions—all processing, no progress.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Mamdani Expected to Clarify Position on 'Globalize the Intifada' Amid Growing Concerns
Zohran Mamdani, New York City's Democratic mayoral candidate, is expected to clarify his stance on the controversial phrase 'globalize the intifada' this week.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's SAT score revealed: report
After it was reported that democratic socialist New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani identified as "Asian" and "Black/African American" in his application to Columbia University, his SAT scores were revealed to be below the median score for students admitted into the school, according to a new report. Independent journalist Christopher Rufo reported on Monday that, according to Mamdani's full Columbia application, he scored 2140 out of 2400 on the SAT, which is below the median score of students admitted to the university in 2009. A 2009 statement by the university said that students admitted into the Class of 2013 scored between 2110 and 2300 on the SAT, which would have placed Mamdani within the range but below the median. Mamdani has said he identifies as "an American who was born in Africa," and stated that checking multiple boxes was an effort to reflect his "complex background," not to gain an advantage in the competitive admissions process. Dem Socialist's Nyc Primary Upset Signals 'Generational' Shift In Democratic Party, Strategists Say But at the time, Columbia, like many elite universities, used race-conscious admissions, a system the Supreme Court struck down in 2023. Read On The Fox News App Mamdani, who is the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, identified as "Black or African American" on his 2009 Columbia University application even though he now says he does not consider himself Black, The New York Times reported Thursday. According to The Times, the internal data came from a leaked database of past Columbia applications which was part of a recent hack targeting the Ivy League school. Mamdani, then a high school senior, also checked "Asian" and reportedly wrote in "Ugandan" in the space for additional background. He was ultimately not accepted to Columbia even though his father is a professor at the elite school. Nyc Mayoral Frontrunner Zohran Mamdani's Professor Father Claimed Hitler Inspired By Abraham Lincoln "Even though these boxes are constraining," Mamdani said, "I wanted my college application to reflect who I was." Mamdani told The Times that aside from those college forms, he doesn't recall ever identifying as Black or African American. Resurfaced Video Shows Nyc Mayoral Hopeful Saying He Wants To Replace Private Homes With Communal Living His parents are both of Indian descent. His father, Columbia professor Mahmood Mamdani, has lived in East Africa for generations, but Mamdani said there had been no intermarriage in the family with native African groups. Mamdani has leaned into his South Asian and Muslim identity on the campaign trail. During a June speech at Al Sharpton's National Action Network, he also stressed his African roots: "I was born in Kampala, Uganda... I was given my middle name, Kwame, by my father, who named me after the first Prime Minister of Ghana." Mamdani has proposed a list of policy changes to radically alter New York City more in line with his democratic socialist vision. He is running to unseat incumbent New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who was elected as a Democrat but is now running for re-election as an independent. Former New York Democratic Mayor Andrew Cuomo is also running for mayor as an independent. Fox News Digital reached out to Mamdani and Columbia University for comment but did not receive a response prior to article source: Socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's SAT score revealed: report

RNZ News
01-07-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Fauono Ken Laban: first Pacific candidate for Lower Hutt mayoralty
Fuaono Ken Laban 30 06 2025 caption: Fuaono Ken Laban, community leader and mayoral candidate for Lower Hutt. Photo: Photo/RNZ/Supplied Community leader Fauono Ken Laban has officially announced his candidacy for the Lower Hutt mayoralty, making him the first Pacific candidate to enter the race to replace outgoing Mayor Campbell Barry. He promises to unite the city and refocus the council on fundamental priorities. As the son of Sāmoan migrants who built their life in Wainuiomata, Fauono is a well-known broadcaster, community leader, and former police officer. He launched his campaign on Tuesday with the slogan "Leadership That Unites, Priorities That Deliver." Photo: Fauono's decision to run is rooted in the principles of service, teamwork, and practical focus. He says his experience in policing, sports, and community service has taught him that real progress comes from teamwork and putting people first. "I've been a player, a captain, and a coach. I know what it takes to build a team that gets results," he says. "You need trust, shared goals, and the discipline to work together. Leading a city is no different. It's not about ego, it's about bringing everyone to the table to serve something bigger than ourselves." "I've spent my life bringing people together - on the field, in the community, and across the region. Real results come from teamwork. As Mayor, I'll unite people around clear priorities, listen to every voice, and lead a Council that truly works for our city." Ken Laban for Mayor caption: Fuaono Ken Laban launches his bid to be Lower Hutt's first Pacific mayor, promising leadership that unites and a council that puts people first. Photo: Supplied Fauono's vision for Lower Hutt includes partnering with mana whenua, supporting the retention of Māori wards, and prioritising strong local connections to improve safety. "Unity isn't a slogan, it's how I lead. It's about respecting people's voices, building trust, and getting the best out of everyone," he says. "When I was a community constable, I learned that real safety comes from strong relationships. It's not just about policing, it's about knowing your neighbours, having safe spaces for our young people, and ensuring support is there when families need it." Fauono advocates for a return to basics, ensuring that council spending delivers value for money, supporting local businesses and workers, and relieving pressure on households. He envisions a council that truly puts people at the heart of its work - one that listens, follows through, and achieves tangible results for the community. "Ratepayers deserve value for money. I'll make sure every dollar counts - focusing on the basics like water and roads, while creating opportunities for local businesses and workers. "We can't keep putting all the pressure on households. It's time for smarter, more disciplined leadership. "Because when we unite around shared values and clear priorities, there's nothing we can't achieve together." In a statement to Local Democracy Reporting, Fuaono discussed the importance of Pacific representation, his decision to stand, and how he plans to engage with youth. "My story is one of many Hutt Valley residents. The son of Sāmoan migrants who built their life here, raised to lead through acts of service. My decision to run for Mayor is grounded in that upbringing. I love my community so I have been called to serve them," he says. "I work with a number of young people, coaching multiple age grade rugby league teams here in the Hutt. They used to call me uncle but now with a few more grey hairs on my head, they call me Papa Ken instead. "I will be bringing them on this campaign with me, getting their input on my decisions, knowing they can reach people in ways I can't." Gabriel Tupou 30 06 2025 caption: Hutt City Councillor Gabriel Tupou says Ken Laban's mayoral bid is 'a game changer' for Pacific representation and could inspire more locals to vote. Photo: LDR / Mary Afemata Gabriel Tupou, Hutt City Councillor and the only Pasifika, told LDR that Fauono's candidacy could transform Pacific representation and increase voter turnout. "This is very significant for our Pacific community because we haven't had a mayor of Pacific descent. Ken represents the best of us," Tupou says. "Ken's a local legend - well-known and respected, not just in Wainuiomata or Lower Hutt but across the Wellington region. "His candidacy is a game changer, it will mobilise and motivate our people to vote. We've got a large Pacific community here, and I think that's what his campaign will do." Tupou says Fauono's background and life experience allow him to connect with ordinary residents, especially Pacific families facing similar challenges. "Ken comes from humble circumstances. He doesn't come from privilege. He understands the struggles our Pasifika families go through. He's a man of the people, so he knows what the issues are. With those insights, he brings strength, wisdom, leadership and humility." He described Fauono as "a local legend" and "a statesman" with broad appeal and a legacy of mentoring young people, saying, "Ken has a wide reach. He's down to earth and accessible to the community." Fauono joins sitting councillors Brady Dyer and Karen Morgan, as well as community advocate Prabha Ravi, who have also confirmed their intention to contest the mayoral elections. More candidates are expected to announce before nominations close. Nominations for Lower Hutt's local elections open on Friday and close at noon on 1 August. Voting papers will go out from September, with the election day nationwide on 11 October. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.


CNN
24-06-2025
- Politics
- CNN
Elle Reeve to Zohran Mamdani: Do you think Democrats over 80 in Congress should retire?
CNN's Elle Reeve sits down with NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and discusses the split within the Democratic party ahead of the primary race.