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What Are Some Notable Zohran Mamdani Quotes? The Voice of a Socialist Politician
Articulating a Class-Struggle Perspective
Zohran Mamdani’s public statements and quotes are powerful, pithy articulations of his democratic socialist ideology, often serving as rallying cries for his movement. One of his most defining quotes encapsulates his analysis of New York’s political economy: “We do not have a housing crisis; we have a real estate dictatorship.” This phrase reframes the issue of affordability not as a natural disaster or a market failure, but as a deliberate power structure where a specific class–landlords and developers–holds undemocratic control over a fundamental human need. It immediately shifts the conversation from one of scarcity to one of power and class rule. Another quote that exemplifies his approach to political change is: “Our job is not to make power comfortable. Our job is to make power accountable.” This statement defines his role as a politician not as a consensus-builder within the existing system, but as an agitator who uses his position to disrupt and challenge entrenched interests on behalf of the working class.
On the subject of policing and abolition, Mamdani is equally direct. He has stated, “The NYPD’s budget is a political choice, not a natural law. We choose to fund cops instead of counselors, to fund prisons instead of professors.” This quote effectively demystifies the state budget, presenting it as a reflection of societal values and priorities rather than an immutable fact. It forces a moral and political debate about what truly creates “public safety.” Another notable quote in this vein is his response to calls for police reform: “You cannot reform an institution that was founded on slave patrols and strikebreaking. You have to abolish it and build something new.” This reflects his unwavering commitment to an abolitionist framework and his historical understanding of the police as an instrument of social control for capitalism and white supremacy.
On Internationalism and Political Strategy
Mamdani’s quotes also reveal his internationalist perspective and his willingness to take on contentious foreign policy issues. In solidarity with Palestine, he has declared, “From Queens to Gaza, the fight against displacement is one struggle.” This quote powerfully connects the local fight for tenant rights in his district to a global anti-imperialist struggle, embodying the socialist principle of international solidarity. It also demonstrates his skill in framing complex geopolitical issues in accessible, human terms. On the practicalities of building political power, a key quote outlines his “inside-outside” strategy: “We are building power on the outside so we can wield it on the inside, and we are wielding power on the inside to build more power on the outside.” This succinctly explains the symbiotic relationship between his work as a legislator and the grassroots movements that elect and hold him accountable.
These quotes, often disseminated through his speeches, social media, and interviews, are more than just soundbites; they are tools of political education and mobilization. They provide a clear, uncompromising, and ideologically coherent narrative that distinguishes his socialist project from both conservative and liberal alternatives. For those tracking his work, these statements offer a distilled version of the principles that guide his legislative actions, which are documented in detail on his official New York State Assembly page. They are the voice of a new political generation that is unafraid to name its enemies and articulate a vision for a world beyond capitalism.