New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani still more popular despite attacks from the New York Post

In an article published in The Guardianjournalist Adam Gabbatt looks at the growing popularity of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, despite an almost daily smear campaign led by the New York Posta conservative tabloid belonging to Rupert Murdoch’s group.

Six months after taking office, Zohran Mamdani seems to have succeeded where several of his predecessors had failed: resisting the influence of the city’s most powerful tabloid. The newspaper successively presented him as a communist, an opponent of the police, an anti-Semite or even a threat to businesses and big fortunes. However, according to a Siena University poll carried out at the end of June, 58% of New Yorkers approve of his action, compared to only 26% who have unfavorable opinions. His popularity also comes with growing political influence, with all three congressional candidates he supported winning their Democratic primaries in June.

For several media observers, Mamdani’s effectiveness is based in particular on his perfect mastery of communication. Very present on social networks, the mayor addresses the population directly, without depending on traditional media to transmit his messages. This strategy allows him to neutralize a large part of the attacks to which he is subject. THE New York Post notably predicted a flight of millionaires, the departure of businesses, an explosion of crime and a possible bankruptcy of the city. Catastrophic scenarios which, until now, have not materialized. On the contrary, office rentals increased in the first quarter of 2026.

According to analysts interviewed by The Guardianthe excessive attacks of everyday life could now turn against him. Having failed to find a truly effective argument, the tabloid continues to multiply its criticisms, while many New Yorkers seem to welcome them with increasing indifference.