Among the many buzzy campaign promises that helped Zohran Mamdani clinch the Democratic mayoral primary last month, one has spawned both confusion and heated debate: municipal-owned grocery stores, which he says guarantee cheaper prices,

In a town where all politics is tribal, Mamdani has emerged as a leader of New York’s South Asian community, 600,000 strong, which is now following its Irish, Italian, Jewish, Black, and Latino predecessors in demanding a seat at the table inside City Hall. That bloc is squarely behind Mamdani and fighting hard for victory in November.

The idea has generated buzz since Zohran Mamdani won the New York City Democratic mayoral primary, but there are few successful examples to draw from, experts say.

Ultimately, the Democratic Party remains at a crossroads, caught between the growing influence of the far-left, and the more politically viable moderate wing.

Trump labels New York City Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani a "communist" as Republicans aim to paint the progressive assemblyman as an extremist ahead of midterm elections.