Zohran Mamdani's historic election has sparked a lot of conversation about a changing of the guard not only for New York City, but also the entire country, as some experts told ABC News his victory could be a turning point for younger millennials and Generation Z political candidates.Mamdani, a two-term state assemblyman who recently turned 34, campaigned with a progressive message that voters wanted a change from the status quo and that someone like him was attuned to the younger generation's most pressing issues, such as high housing costs.Zohran Mamdani speaks during a victory speech at a mayoral election night watch party, Nov.4, 2025, in New York.Yuki Iwamura/APGrace Smoker, vice president of media strategy at Stu Loeser & Co, a New York- based political media consulting group, told ABC News that the mayor-elect will likely not be the only candidate under 35 who will be making waves in future elections.Mamdani clinches the votes of young people, newcomers to NYC.
Experts explain why"It's absolutely a nationwide movement," Smoker said.The political reaction to Mamdani's win has already been large, according to a group that is working to increase millennial and Gen Z representation in elected offices.Run for Something, an organization that recruits and supports progressive candidates under 40 to run for local and state offices, saw 10,000 people sign up for its services in the two weeks following Mamdani's June Democratic primary win.It has had 2,000 people sign up since Tuesday, according to its co-founder and president, Amanda Litman."My expectations are that we will see those numbers grow as they see they can win," Litman told ABC News, referring to younger political candidates.Guests check in at California Democratic Convention Party at HEAT Ultra Lounge on May 30, 2025 in Anaheim, California.Jon Kopaloff/Getty ImagesExperts say this surge won't just be seen among Democrats, as millennial and Gen Z Republicans are also seeing an emergence and seeking a...