The political landscape in New York City has witnessed an intriguing dynamic in 2026. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has managed to thrive despite a relentless campaign of criticism from the New York Post a tabloid known for its influential role in shaping public opinion. Unlike his predecessors, Mamdani has not only weathered the storm but has also seen his popularity soar.

This resilience is particularly notable given the tabloid’s history of successfully undermining progressive politicians. The Post‘s strategy has traditionally involved relentless attacks, often focusing on a politician’s perceived weaknesses. However, Mamdani’s case presents a fascinating departure from this pattern.

Mamdani’s Unyielding Popularity

A Siena University poll conducted in late June revealed that Mamdani’s favorability ratings had actually increased over the previous two months. Approximately 58% of New Yorkers approved of his performance, with only 26% disapproving. These figures are notably better than the

The Post has not held back in its criticism, publishing multiple articles daily that target various aspects of Mamdani’s administration. The range of criticisms has been broad, from his stance on Israel to his plans for public supermarkets and investments in public schools. Despite this barrage, Mamdani’s popularity continues to grow, suggesting that the tabloid’s tactics may be losing their effectiveness.

The Post’s Struggle to Find a Sticking Point

Historically, the Post has been successful in weakening liberal mayors by identifying and exploiting their vulnerabilities. For instance, former Mayor Bill de Blasio faced relentless criticism that ultimately stalled parts of his agenda and derailed his presidential ambitions. However, Mamdani’s case presents a different scenario.

Ross Barkan an author and columnist, noted that the Post has struggled to find a line of attack that resonates with readers. Unlike de Blasio, Mamdani is not distracted by national ambitions, as he cannot run for president due to his status as a naturalized American citizen. This allows him to focus entirely on local issues, which has proven to be a significant advantage.

Barkan also highlighted that Mamdani’s national stature and relevance make him a formidable figure who cannot be easily dismissed. This combination of local focus and national relevance has helped Mamdani maintain his political influence and popularity.

Mamdani’s Media Savvy

One of the key factors contributing to Mamdani’s success is his understanding of media dynamics. Angelo Carusone president of Media Matters for America observed that Mamdani has effectively neutralized the Post‘s attacks by bypassing traditional media channels. Instead of relying on third-party systems, Mamdani has developed his own distribution network and storytelling approach.

This strategy has allowed Mamdani to engage directly with the public, reducing the impact of the Post‘s criticisms. Carusone described this as an out-Murdoch-ing Murdoch approach, where Mamdani leverages his own platforms to communicate with constituents effectively.

The Post‘s hyperbolic attacks during the election period, warning of economic collapse and increased crime, have not materialized. Data shows that businesses are not relocating, and office leases have actually increased in the first quarter of 2026. This discrepancy between the Post‘s predictions and reality has further eroded the tabloid’s credibility.

His success serves as a testament to the evolving dynamics of political communication in the digital age.