Press Release: Community Service Society Congratulates Zohran Mamdani on His Historic Victory

Press Release

Community Service Society Congratulates Zohran Mamdani on His Historic Victory

The Community Service Society of New York congratulates Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on his historic victory in yesterday's general election. This moment marks not only a political triumph but a profound shift in the soul of our city-a shift toward equity, dignity, compassion and hope for working people who have struggled to survive in a city that is increasingly unaffordable.

Mayor-elect Mamdani's campaign was a testament to the power of grassroots organizing and the resilience of communities long overlooked by traditional politics. His victory speech, delivered with humility and conviction, captured the spirit of a movement that has dared to imagine a city where everyone-not just the wealthy and well-connected-can thrive.

In his own words, Mamdani pledged to "make this city one that working people can live and love in again." This promise resonates deeply with the constituencies we serve at CSS regardless of their political leanings -- countless New Yorkers who have watched their neighborhoods change beyond recognition, who face being priced out of their homes due rising rents and lack of affordable housing, whose dreams for their families have been deferred by systems that too often fail them. His commitment is not just rhetorical-it is rooted in lived experience, in solidarity with delivery workers, taxi drivers, nurses, food service workers and countless others whose labor sustains this city.

Mayor-elect Mamdani also spoke powerfully about the need to restore dignity to public housing, declaring his intent to "make the lights shine in the hallways of NYCHA developments where they have long flickered." This is more than a promise of infrastructure-it is a pledge to honor the humanity of NYCHA residents who have endured decades of government disinvestment, abandonment and neglect. It is a recognition that safe, well-maintained housing is not a privilege, but a right.

Equally compelling was his vow to "tackle mental health and homelessness," two crises that have touched every corner of our city and that New Yorkers cited as a priority in our most recent survey. In that survey, New Yorkers indicated that reducing housing costs and curbing homelessness were top priorities going into the election.

Throughout his speech, Mamdani reminded us that this victory belongs to the people. "Fingers bruised from lifting boxes on the warehouse floor, palms calloused from delivery bike handlebars, knuckles scarred with kitchen burns: These are not hands that have been allowed to hold power," he said. "And yet, over the last 12 months, you have dared to reach for something greater. Tonight, against all odds, we have grasped it."

Mayor-elect Mamdani's journey from staffer for a nonprofit organization helping New Yorkers with housing issues, to State Assemblymember representing Astoria Queens, to hunger strikes outside the halls of City Hall to the steps of City Hall itself is a powerful reminder that change is possible when we organize, when we believe, and when we refuse to accept the status quo. His election is a mandate for bold action, for transformative policies, and for a government that serves all New Yorkers.

As he prepares to take office on January 1st, CSS looks forward to working with his administration on issues such as housing, accessible healthcare, economic security and public transit affordability. Many of these priorities require collaboration with state leaders. We urge our partners in Albany to work closely with City Hall to move these shared goals forward.

We will support the Mayor-elect's vision, and at the same time hold him accountable for his pledge to create opportunities for all New Yorkers to thrive economically.

Congratulations, Mayor-elect Mamdani.

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