Can a grassroots revolution survive the transition to power? That’s the million-dollar question facing Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s incoming mayor, and one that Harvard Kennedy School lecturer Marshall L. Ganz ’64 is helping him answer. Ganz, a veteran of Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign, met with Mamdani in August to share insights on sustaining the very movement that propelled him to victory. But here’s where it gets controversial: Mamdani’s team is determined to avoid what many see as Obama’s biggest misstep—abandoning the grassroots base that elected him. Did Obama’s campaign brilliance fade into political pragmatism? And can Mamdani do better?
Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, didn’t just win an election; he ignited a movement. With over 100,000 volunteers, he breathed life into a Democratic Party desperate for renewal. Now, the real challenge begins: turning campaign promises into policy realities. As Ganz puts it, the focus is on “what comes next”—how to avoid the “Obama trap” of building a powerful organization only to let it fizzle out. “They’re trying to learn from the past, not to repeat it,” Ganz explains. One bold move? Directing supporters toward a new advocacy nonprofit, Our Time for an Affordable NYC, launched to channel the campaign’s energy into policy implementation. This parallel organization, while not owned by Mamdani, shares his values and vision.
Ganz, brought onto the team by field organizer Tascha Van Auken (another Obama alum), has been impressed by Mamdani’s campaign. “They already had it right,” he says, praising their deep investment in leadership development—something he hasn’t seen since Obama’s 2008 run. But here’s the part most people miss: Ganz didn’t come in to overhaul the campaign. Instead, he recognized its strengths and supported them, a refreshing contrast to the “arrogance of the consulting industry,” as he puts it.
Mamdani’s transition team is a who’s who of progressive and experienced leaders, including former Federal Trade Commission chair Lina Khan. And while Obama didn’t endorse Mamdani, the two have spoken multiple times, most recently discussing the challenges of implementing a policy vision. Ganz believes Mamdani’s success could chart a new path for Democrats, emphasizing the “humanity” of his campaign over slick marketing. “It’s about the people, stupid,” Ganz quips, riffing on James Carville’s famous line.
But the road ahead is daunting. Mamdani must now govern a city with a $115 billion budget and 300,000 employees. Ganz’s role in this process remains unclear, but he’s eager to help. “I want to be of service,” he says. “I really think it matters.”
So, what do you think? Can Mamdani avoid the pitfalls of past progressive leaders? Or is the transition from campaigner to governor too fraught with challenges? Let’s debate in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
