Democratic Socialism Can Deliver Effective Government for Working People
Source: Zohran Mamdani. "Zohran Mamdani on Using Government to Fight for the Many." April 13, 2026. jacobin.com
The Gist
Mamdani argues that his first 100 days as NYC mayor prove democratic socialists can govern effectively by delivering real improvements like universal childcare, tenant protections, and better public safety. He claims this shows government can work for ordinary people, not just the wealthy, when led by democratic socialists.
Conclusion
Democratic socialist governance can effectively deliver tangible improvements for working people and prove that government can fight for the many, not just the few
Premises
- The Mamdani administration delivered universal childcare within 8 days and expanded it to 2-year-olds for the first time in NYC history
- The administration won $34 million in settlements for tenants, improved over 6,000 apartments, and issued nearly 200,000 housing violations against bad landlords
- Worker protections were strengthened, returning $9.3 million to workers and consumers while expanding protected time off for 4 million workers
- Public safety improved with murders at record lows, no murders on Staten Island in 180+ days, and over 1,000 guns removed from streets
- Economic indicators show strength with NYC leading office recovery, $11.1 billion in venture capital investment, and all-time high labor force participation
- Infrastructure improvements were made including protected bike lanes, lower school zone speed limits, and faster bus service
- These accomplishments occurred while managing a historic budget deficit larger than during the Great Recession
Assumptions
- Government has the capacity to meaningfully improve people's lives when properly directed
- Working-class people have been systematically underserved by previous administrations
- Concrete policy deliverables are the best measure of effective governance
- Democratic socialism is compatible with economic growth and business interests
- Public skepticism about government effectiveness can be overcome through demonstrated results