Is the Center Still Alive in Big-City Politics?
Recent mayoral elections in New York City, Seattle, and Chicago have seen socialist candidates winning over moderate Democrats, reflecting a shift in urban electorates. These victories suggest that the political center is no longer a guaranteed winning strategy in big-city politics, as left-leaning voters and professionals are increasingly attracted to progressive candidates.
In New York City, socialist Zohran Mamdani won a mayoral victory over former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. In Seattle, Katie Wilson, a self-described socialist, unseated Mayor Bruce Harrell, a moderate Democrat. These victories reflect a shift in urban electorates, with left-leaning voters and professionals increasingly attracted to progressive candidates. Fifty years ago, cities like New York, Chicago, and Seattle were largely white, working-class, and conservative. Today, they are more diverse, with Black and Hispanic voters and left-leaning white professionals. This coalition is loosely attracted to change-urging candidates who identify as progressives or socialists.
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