'We need to be able to pass the mantle'

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."

By Lorena Mongelli

lorena.mongelli@newsday.com

Lorena Mongelli has been reporting for Newsday since 2021. Prior to that, she covered breaking news at the New York Post.