Suozzi Slams Mamdani’s Rise, Sees Trump-Like Economic Appeal in NY Democrat Divide

New York’s political landscape is buzzing after Rep. Tom Suozzi, a self-described democratic capitalist, took a swing at Zohran Mamdani’s recent mayoral primary win, drawing a surprising parallel to none other than Donald Trump. Speaking on CBS’ Face the Nation, Suozzi argued that Mamdani, a democratic socialist, has tapped into the same economic frustrations that fueled Trump’s rise—namely, the sense that the economy is failing the middle class.

In a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed, Suozzi called Mamdani’s victory a wake-up call for Democrats, urging the party to refocus on affordability and economic opportunity. He emphasized that voters are lying awake at night, worrying about bills and their kids’ education, not just social issues like reproductive rights or LGBT protections, however vital those may be.

While Suozzi disagrees with Mamdani’s solutions—and Trump’s, for that matter—he sees a lesson in their ability to connect with voters’ economic anxieties. “People want to believe that hard work leads to a good life,” he said, pointing to the dream of homeownership, affordable education, healthcare, and a secure retirement. Democrats, he argues, need to better communicate that they’re fighting for those core concerns.

Mamdani’s win has exposed a deep divide within New York’s Democratic Party, with some leaders hesitant to embrace his progressive vision. Suozzi’s critique suggests Democrats must bridge this gap by addressing the economic realities that resonate with everyday Americans, lest they lose ground to populist voices on either side.