Overview:
A guide to NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s positions on immigration, housing, public safety and why he’s earned support from the Haitian community.
As New York City heads toward a critical mayoral election, Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani is emerging as a serious contender, especially among Haitian and Caribbean communities in Brooklyn. Born in Uganda and raised in New York since the age of 7, Mamdani would be NYC’s first Muslim and first Indian American mayor. Here are seven things Haitian voters should know before hitting the polls.
1. He wants to freeze rents and fund childcare—not cut corners
Mamdani has made affordability the cornerstone of his campaign. He’s promised to freeze rents for over 2 million New Yorkers in rent-stabilized units and expand universal childcare for children under five.
“This campaign is built around the promise to make New York City more affordable—especially for the working class,” he told The Haitian Times.
2. He’s no stranger to Flatbush and Little Haiti
Unlike candidates who parachute in for votes, Mamdani has consistently shown up in neighborhoods like Flatbush, Canarsie and East Flatbush. He’s campaigned alongside Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest and Councilmember Farah Louis and made Little Haiti a focal point in both his platform and canvassing.
“I’ve seen firsthand how Little Haiti has been impacted by slow buses and underfunded childcare,” he told The Haitian Times.
3. He promises to defend immigrants—no exceptions
With ICE raids increasing and TPS protections under threat, Mamdani has pledged to enforce laws that deny ICE access to city property without a judicial warrant. He also plans to expand the Haitian Response Initiative within the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.
“Haitian New Yorkers deserve safety, stability, and a city that sees their humanity,” Mamdani said.
4. He supports free public transit
As a former tenant organizer, Mamdani helped pilot a fare-free bus program that not only improved mobility but cut assaults on bus drivers by 39%. He says he is committed to making NYC’s slowest buses faster and free for all.
“We heard concerns that free buses would be unsafe. But they weren’t true,” Mamdani said, citing improved safety during the pilot program.
5. He has progressives behind him
Backed by progressive leaders like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Mamdani has galvanized young, working-class voters, including among immigrant communities. His events regularly highlight solidarity with Haitians and others affected by local and federal policies. A late endorsement from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries added mainstream Democratic weight to his campaign, even as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has yet to weigh in.
6. Not everyone’s sold on Mamdani’s big ideas
Mamdani’s affordability agenda has strong supporters, but some analysts and business leaders caution that key proposals — like a citywide rent freeze and $30 minimum wage — face steep financial and logistical hurdles. Some economists warn such measures could strain city finances already facing multibillion-dollar gaps, while small business advocates say higher wage mandates could disproportionately affect local storefronts still recovering from climate-related disruptions and rising commercial rents.
Mamdani argues that increased taxes on the wealthy and corporations could offset costs and says his plan includes support for small businesses. But opponents say key details — including timelines, enforcement, and transition plans — remain unclear. His fare-free bus proposal, which could cost $630 million annually in lost fares, has drawn similar scrutiny, with critics questioning whether the city or state would foot the bill.
7. Haitian leaders are backing him
In October, Haitian American elected officials and organizers launched “Haitians for Zohran,” a WhatsApp-based mobilization network. Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn and others switched their endorsement to Mamdani after the primary, praising his grassroots focus and cultural fluency.
“He’s really working hard to get the trust of all of us,” said Hermelyn during a community Zoom call.
Like this:
Loading…
