In the latest episode of Concilio’s Better Places podcast, Concilio’s Nick Dines and Sehj Kaur are joined by Jessica Tarlov, one of the leading Democratic commentators in the United States, to discuss the rise of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and what his campaign reveals about modern political strategy.
Speaking as both a New Yorker and a political strategist, Jessica offers a candid assessment of Mamdani’s victory, reflecting on the campaign’s energy, message discipline and organising strength, alongside the wider conditions that enabled an outsider candidate to break through a crowded and unfocused Democratic field.
A key focus of the conversation is affordability. Jessica explains how Mamdani’s consistent emphasis on housing costs, transport, food prices and student debt helped keep the campaign grounded in everyday concerns, allowing it to cut through debates that often distract from voters’ lived experience in major cities.
The discussion also explores campaign delivery, particularly the balance between digital campaigning and in-person engagement. From social media visibility to large-scale community events, Jessica reflects on why presence, clarity and human connection played a central role in building trust and momentum.
Looking to the UK, Nick and Sehj consider whether similar dynamics are beginning to emerge in London politics, including growing interest in alternative campaign styles and figures such as Zack Polanski. The episode reflects on shared pressures facing global cities and the increasing importance of affordability, visibility and credibility in political leadership.
This episode offers a timely discussion on how campaigns are adapting to changing voter expectations and what lessons city leaders and policymakers might take from New York without assuming easy parallels.