What Mamdani stands for, in short, is a redistribution of power and resources: empowering tenants and transit users, taxing the wealthy and corporations more heavily, investing public funds into housing and services rather than relying solely on private developers. If his vision is realized, and it works, other neighborhoods could well take note.

As President Trump’s federal agents conduct large immigration raids in Democratic cities, New York City has watched with apprehension, wondering when the president might set his sights on his hometown...