The battle to make New York liveable again | Foreign Correspondent

April 7, 2026

When a young Muslim Asian American who proudly called himself a democratic socialist was elected Mayor of New York City the world took notice. Zohran Mamdani has quickly become America’s newest political star. In the richest city in the country, where an affordability crisis is now impacting the middle class, his message of tax increases for the rich, rent freezes and free childcare have been embraced by a city that had had enough. Donald Trump was elected on the back of frustrated voters feeling the cost-of-living squeeze. But more than a year on and many Americans say “affordability” is still their number one problem. Now a new disruptor – Zohran Mamdani – is implementing an agenda he claims will make New York affordable again.