Mamdani supporter Berta Silva.

Mamdani supporter Berta Silva. Credit: Newsday/Lorena Mongelli

Berta Silva, 68, from Manhattan, volunteered to help get Mamdani elected and is inspired by today’s big turnout.

“I think it's exciting, and I believe it's also sending a strong message and is symbolic of his campaign to be inclusive," Silva said.

She said she is seeing more young people joining the democratic socialist movement. "We need to be able to pass the mantle. The youth are the future."

"My hope is that he will be able to carry out some of the major pillars of his platform, which is to have a rent freeze, universal child care, and, of course, fast and free buses. I think public transportation is extremely important for our city, and it is also a priority for him."

Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, of Bay Shore, was killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His mother has made it her mission to aid active-duty service members, veterans, first responders and Gold Star families. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports. Credit: Randee Daddona; Photo credit: Cathy Heighter

'His sacrifice made a difference': Gold Star mother honors son's memory Army Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, 22, of Bay Shore, was the first serviceman from Long Island killed in the Iraq War.

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