Forty days into office, independent analysis finds young mayor’s honeymoon intact despite controversies
One month into his administration, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has maintained an approval rating of 68 percent among New York City voters according to a Siena poll released in early February. This relatively high approval rating in the first month of his tenure suggests that a significant portion of the electorate is willing to give his administration a chance, even as controversies swirl around specific policies and his ideological commitments. The early period of a mayor’s term is often characterized as a honeymoon phase, where public goodwill extends initial benefit of the doubt. For Mamdani, this honeymoon appears intact, though underlying tensions suggest it may not last indefinitely.
The Question of Readiness
Before the election and again following his victory, skeptics raised the question of whether Mamdani was ready to be mayor. The criticism centered partly on his relative youth, his limited executive experience compared to previous mayors, and what some characterized as ideological rigidity that might prevent pragmatic governance. In his first month, Mamdani has apparently addressed some of these concerns by engaging actively in various aspects of the mayoral job, from policy-level decisions to street-level problem-solving.
Balancing Big and Small
An important test of mayoral competence is whether a mayor can balance attention to major policy questions with the practical details of city management. Mamdani’s campaign slogan was “No problem too big. No task too small,” a phrase he has already invoked when addressing specific infrastructure issues. Early in his term, he took on matters of national significance, such as calling on the Trump administration to respect Venezuelan sovereignty during an immigration enforcement discussion. He also engaged in hands-on maintenance work, helping to repair infrastructure on the Williamsburg Bridge.
Early Policy Successes
In his first month, Mamdani achieved some early wins that demonstrate administrative capacity. When he called for state funding for childcare, Governor Kathy Hochul committed an initial 1.7 billion dollars to the initiative, though the mayor has also called for additional revenue through tax increases on the wealthy, to which Hochul has not yet agreed. This suggests that Mamdani has political standing and the ability to move state officials, even when he disagrees with them on broader fiscal policy.
Maintaining Grassroots Connection
One challenge for politicians after winning executive power is maintaining the grassroots connections and movement energy that brought them to office. Mamdani has made efforts to preserve these connections, visiting Crown Heights tenants on day one of his administration and, a few weeks later, hosting soccer fans for an Africa Cup of Nations watch party. These gestures demonstrate an attempt to govern while remaining connected to the communities and constituencies that elected him.
Managing Media Relations and Public Perception
Mamdani has received substantial media coverage, including some negative coverage focused on trivial details. The New York Post, a tabloid with a circulation that is declining but still influential in New York City political circles, featured Mamdani on its cover thirteen times in January, according to independent analysis. Much of this coverage has been critical or focused on controversial issues and minor controversies, such as his custom-embroidered winter jacket with the phrase “No problem too big. No task too small” on the inside collar. Mamdani’s apparent confidence in these symbols and slogans suggests he is unconcerned with tabloid criticism.
Contrasts with Predecessors
Previous mayors have shown different approaches to the job. Bill de Blasio prioritized major policy initiatives like universal pre-kindergarten but later spent years fighting with President Trump and managing the pandemic. Eric Adams focused heavily on media presence and public relations but spent less time on policy details, eventually resigning amid legal troubles. Mamdani appears to be attempting a different balance, engaging with both major policy and practical governance details.
The Early Approval Rating
The 68 percent approval rating in early February suggests that the public is evaluating Mamdani through a generous lens at this stage. As specific policies take effect and trade-offs become apparent, this approval may shift. The real test will be whether Mamdani can maintain public support as his administration makes decisions that create winners and losers, as all governance inevitably does.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, Mamdani faces challenges including managing the homeless crisis during winter, implementing housing policy that expands affordable units while managing neighborhood concerns, engaging with the Trump administration on federal funding and policy issues, and delivering on campaign promises while governing a complex city with competing interests.
Assessing Readiness
After one month, the question “Is he ready?” appears to have received a tentatively affirmative answer from a significant portion of the electorate, though it will take many more months and years to fully evaluate his administrative capacity. Additional reporting from independent sources has provided more favorable assessments of Mamdani’s early tenure, while conservative outlets have emphasized controversies and philosophical disagreements. The early polling suggests the public is not yet fully divided on these questions. The real assessment of readiness will emerge over months as specific policies take effect and as the mayor manages crises and difficult decisions that test his judgment and capacity.
