Just over a seven days before New York City’s mayoral election on November 4, approximately thirteen thousand supporters filled the Queens stadium for the “NYC Not For Sale” event, headlined by representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Senator Sanders and the mayoral hopeful assemblyman Mamdani.
The historic outdoor stadium was packed to the rafters. City residents of diverse ages and origins assembled, but it was the younger generation that seemed to bring the excitement.
Many viewed the gathering as not merely a political event. It was a occasion of unity, frustration and hope all at once. For Hayley Miller, 23, of Briarwood, the reason to attend was straightforward: “I’m here because the government sucks, to be honest with you … and I feel like we should bring about reform as a country, and New York City is definitely the starting point.”
For Spencer, 29, who lives in the neighborhood, the energy of the event signaled something he hasn’t felt in local politics in a long time. “It’s thrilling that someone who actually might make a difference is appearing in an area that I’m in,” he said. “If it’s here, it’s like, why not? If we’re not gonna be engaged now, then when is the right moment?”
Another local, Emily, 29, shared a comparable excitement: “I think it’s exciting to be a part of this energy. We even went out to cast ballots earlier today because we were preparing to be enthusiastic for everything that he’s for.”
The diversity of the crowd mirrored the city itself. established New Yorkers, newcomers, young professionals and retirees all were present. For Mitch, 68, from Astoria, it was his initial campaign event of the campaign. “I’m here because, well, I want to hear what they have to say, and there’s no other strong contenders, in my opinion,” he said.
For the Astoria resident, the primary concerns facing NYC right now are “public security, the subway safety, and affordability”, adding that while he’s doubtful about whether the candidate can deliver on all his promises, he’s receptive. “I don’t know who’s going to pay for all this stuff he wants done … but I’m going in open-minded, and just wishing somebody is proposing some options.”
Another attendee, 30, also from the neighborhood, said their top priorities were defending LGBTQ+ equality and tackling the city’s affordability crisis. “I think Mamdani is doing a excellent work of focusing on everything I’m concerned about,” they said.
A supporter, 30, echoed that sentiment, commending Mamdani’s genuineness: “I feel like Mamdani is very sincere in his responses in a way that isn’t typically seen in most politicians. He’s a little less lip service-y than usual.”
Mamdani had a distinct theme he was aiming to get across at the rally; diversity is NYC’s greatest asset. At one point, he had a rabbi, a Christian minister, and an imam all on stage together in backing his campaign. Brad Lander, a past contender in this election, also came out to support Mamdani.
Sanders received the biggest cheers of the evening, tied with only Mamdani himself. Sanders spoke of the importance of electing Mamdani to the role of mayor not only for the sake of making the city more economical, but also as a means to send a message to Trump and the wealthy elites he has in his circle.
“Everyday citizens get one vote,” he said. “Meanwhile, the ultra-rich get the chance to invest unlimited funds to elect the politicians they want. That is the context in which this race is taking place.”
The state's leader the governor was the only presenter met with mixed responses, with the crowd frequently breaking into chants to enthusiastically shout “Increase taxes on the wealthy!” Mamdani came out at the end of her speech to, quite literally, stand with her, as if to demonstrate the audience the importance of her presence and endorsement.
It was a big contrast to Congresswoman AOC, who spoke just after the governor and was met with the audience chanting her name.
When it came time for Mamdani himself to take the stage, the crowd had been more than adequately energized. As with the recent candidates' forum days earlier, he did not hold back at criticizing the former governor.
“Let our words resound that he can hear them tonight in his expensive rental,” the Democratic candidate said. “Let them be so loud that he can hear them even if he’s in Westchester tonight.”
But he did not focus excessively on Cuomo, instead dedicating the second part of his speech to expressing gratitude to the coalition who had supported him for the past several months and helped with his historic campaign.
Perhaps the most memorable moment came towards the end, when he asked attendees who had helped out and canvassed for his campaign to activate their phone flashes. The crowd immediately lit up in a multitude of bright phone lights, too many to count.
“We are just getting started. On November 4 we set ourselves free,” Mamdani said in his final remarks.
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