The Revolutionary Communists of America (RevCom) recently criticized socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani for his associations with the Democratic Party. In their article titled “Why Communists Can’t Support Zohran Mamdani,” they argue that rather than advancing socialist ideals, Mamdani is undermining the cause by aligning with a party they deem “rotten and discredited.” This perspective emphasizes that Mamdani’s relationships dilute the essence of socialism and instead strengthen a political organization that they perceive as failing.
RevCom, representing the U.S. faction of the Revolutionary Communist International, has a history of outspoken actions, including controversial demonstrations this year. Their criticism highlights Mamdani’s identity as a Democratic Socialist of America member, pointing to his support for policies like congestion pricing and proposals to make public transit free. They claim these initiatives could create divisions within the working class rather than foster unity and progress.
Reaffirming their critique, RevCom characterizes Mamdani as a reformist who merely aims to modify the New York City budget without making significant changes to the capitalist system. They believe his approach is deceptive, masking the realities of Democratic Party affiliations and the constraints of working within capitalism. This viewpoint reflects a deeper ideological rift within the socialist movement, focusing on the need for a more radical transformation rather than minor reforms.
Moreover, the group argues for the necessity of a candidate who is entirely independent of the traditional political parties, asserting that only such an individual can faithfully represent and advance a robust socialist agenda. They feel that any linkage to the Democratic Party inherently dilutes the socialist message and impacts the credibility of its proponents, including Mamdani.
In the race for the New York City mayoral primary, Mamdani is reportedly trailing Democratic frontrunner Andrew Cuomo by just 10 percentage points, indicating that he maintains a competitive edge in the political landscape. Although his campaign has not yet issued a response to RevCom’s critique, the upcoming primary is scheduled for June 24, and Mamdani’s position may provoke further discussions about the role of socialism within established political frameworks.
Ultimately, the division showcased by RevCom’s stance underscores the complexities and challenges faced by socialist candidates in the U.S. political system. This dialogue pivots on the critical question of whether incremental reforms within a major party can truly serve the working class or if a more radical, independent approach is necessary to foster genuine change. As the election nears, the outcomes may significantly impact both Mamdani’s political future and broader discussions about socialism in America.
