New York City voters should not repeat Chicago’s mistake by electing a far-left mayor like state representative Zohran Mamdani in the June 24 Democratic primary, the Chicago Tribune editorial board stated on Monday.
Citing the experience of Chicago Mayor Blake Johnson as a warning, whose policy ideas are similar to Mamdani, the editorial stated that “far-left candidates do not make for effective or popular municipal executives in today’s stressful economy.”
The editorial board pointed to several failed policy decisions under the Johnson administration, including a $300 million tax hike, a so-called “mansion tax” that would have driven up real estate prices and a failure to deliver on affordable housing construction.
“Johnson’s approval rating cratered in his second year—a reflection of how quickly progressive promises collapsed under the weight of governance and Chicago’s financial reality,” the editorial board stated. “What sounded good in theory has translated into dysfunction, driven by fiscal missteps and political inexperience.”
“Johnson is one of the most progressive mayors in the U.S., but Mamdani, inarguably, is yet more radical,” it added.
The board noted that New York City’s mayoral race will likely hinge on voter turnout—an area where participation has steadily declined, dropping from 93% of registered voters in 1953 to 57% in 1993, and to just over 20% in the 2021 election.
Low voter turnout makes it easier for radicals to capture public office, according to the board.
“That’s a mistake we hope New Yorkers don’t make,” the board wrote. “If New Yorkers are frustrated with Mayor Eric Adams, they should be careful not to trade him for someone who might preside over a city that is less competitive and less financially secure.”
“Trust us,” the editorial continued. “We’re living that reality.”
