**Escape from New York? Mayor-Elect Zohran Kwame Mamdani’s Socialist Makeover and Its Challenges**
*By Selwyn Duke*
*The New American | November 6, 2025*
*Posted by E. Pluribus Unum*
*Escape from New York* is the name of a 1981 film. Now, many fear it could become a reality with Mayor-elect Zohran Kwame Mamdani’s impending socialist makeover of New York City. Commentator Bill O’Reilly has predicted that Mamdani’s ascendancy will spark an exodus of 765,000 to one million Big Apple residents. Such a mass departure would undoubtedly involve the loss of significant capital and resources.
However, these predictions hinge on the idea that Mamdani’s promises reflect steadfast principles rather than convenient political positions. While he is undoubtedly a radical, Mamdani is also a seasoned power seeker who likely harbors aspirations for higher office. This raises some critical questions: Will he fully embrace socialist policies and risk crashing New York City’s economy? Or will he, as a savvy politician demonstrated on the campaign trail, adopt a more Machiavellian approach of moderation?
If Mamdani chooses the latter route, he not only will survive politically but will also have a compelling excuse. He could argue, “Tyrant Trump and the establishment are standing in the way of progress! They’re obstructing the people’s agenda!” The underlying message might be, “So I need even more power”—a scenario where the title “governor” could easily come to mind.
### Won’t Lives Be on “Can’t” Street?
Unlike the film’s dramatic plot where a wall was built around Manhattan to keep inhabitants in, Mamdani cannot physically wall off New York City to stem the outflow. He will have to play well with other political players to implement his vision.
While publications like *USA Today* lament that “now we get to see full-blown socialism in action,” the reality may be more nuanced. Mamdani will face significant hurdles as insiders reveal.
### Five Challenges Facing Mamdani
According to *Politico*, Mamdani’s path is blocked by these obstacles, listed in order:
1. **Donald Trump and the Federal Government**
2. **Legislative Wrangling in Albany**
3. **Campaign Fatigue**
Democratic New York City mayors usually enjoy a relatively leisurely general election schedule, but these and other challenges may test Mamdani’s ability to govern effectively.
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*Excerpt* — To read the full article, visit [thenewamerican.com](http://thenewamerican.com).
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**TOPICS:** Government
**KEYWORDS:** New York City, Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Socialism, Bill O’Reilly, Political Challenges
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