NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Faces Pushback as Democratic Socialists Target City Policies

Senator John Fetterman denounced Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) member Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York City, calling him a “clown” and urging Democrats to police their own ranks. Fetterman criticized the DSA’s July 14 platform titled “Workers Deserve More,” which proposes eliminating the U.S. Senate, granting blanket immigration amnesty, defunding the Department of War and replacing the Electoral College with a national popular vote.

Mamdani responded by publishing a database of wealthy New York City property owners, a move tied to the city’s pied‑à‑terre tax on second homes. The city’s Department of Finance confirmed the release complied with state law.

Separately, DSA activists have voiced intentions to reform NYC public‑school curricula, urging teaching of Marx and Engels and framing education within a “class‑consciousness” perspective. Critics cite comments from CUNY professor Maureen Fadem, who called for a “democratic socialist frame” in schools. The controversy highlights growing tensions between DSA‑aligned officials and opponents within the Democratic Party and the broader public.