Premium

New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, center, holds hands with Sen. Bernie Sanders , a socialist from Vermont, left, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, at the end of a campaign rally Sunday in the Queens borough of New York City. (Angela Weiss - AFP / Getty Images)

Socialist Left Has Regrouped: Politics of Mamdani, AOC, Sanders Fueling Dems' Long Shutdown

By Randy DeSoto October 29, 2025 at 1:26pm

The left has found its rallying point, and it’s in New York City, behind the candidacy of Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani.

New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders — who both describe themselves as Democratic socialists — held a well-attended rally for Mamdani in Queens over the weekend.

Wow. What an event. Thank you to the thousands who packed a stadium in Queens, NY to say: New York is not for sale. Together we are going to take on the oligarchs and the political establishment and elect Zohran as the next mayor of New York City. pic.twitter.com/Lhjk8p7DYI

— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) October 27, 2025

It’s this energy on the left that is fueling the nearly month-long government shutdown. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and most of his fellow Democrats are afraid of the socialist left’s wrath, including a potential primary challenge.

Read the Rest — Subscribe Now

You've reached the end of the free preview.
Join thousands who rely on us for trusted news.

Already a subscriber? Sign in

Submit a Correction →

We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

Tags:

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, American left, Bernie Sanders, Democrats, New York City, Socialism, Zohran Mamdani

Randy DeSoto

Contributing Journalist

SummaryMore Biographical InformationRecent PostsContact

Randy DeSoto has written more than 3,000 articles for The Western Journal since he began with the company in 2015. He is a graduate of West Point and Regent University School of Law. He is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths" and screenwriter of the political documentary "I Want Your Money."

@RandyDeSoto

Randy DeSoto wrote and was the assistant producer of the documentary film "I Want Your Money" about the perils of Big Government, comparing the presidencies of Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama. Randy is the author of the book "We Hold These Truths," which addresses how leaders have appealed to beliefs found in the Declaration of Independence at defining moments in our nation's history. He has been published in several political sites and newspapers.

Randy graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a BS in political science and Regent University School of Law with a juris doctorate.

Birthplace

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Nationality

American

Honors/Awards

Graduated dean's list from West Point

Education

United States Military Academy at West Point, Regent University School of Law

Books Written

We Hold These Truths

Professional Memberships

Virginia and Pennsylvania state bars