100 Days of Mamdani

By Max Pearson

If one thing defined Zohran Mamdani's mayoral campaign, it was ambitious ideas. Promising universal child care, rent freezes, free buses, and a $30 minimum wage, Mamdani's progressive stances strongly appealed to young New Yorkers feeling the squeeze of inflation and an increasing cost of living. With 75% of voters aged 18-29 voting for Mamdani (including 83% of Black youth, 85% of young Latinos, and 82% of young women), the new mayor entered office with strong support from the city's college-aged voters. As of April 11th, 2026, Mamdani has spent 100 days in office. What are the young people of New York thinking now?

Generally, it seems that CCNY students approve of Mamdani's performance. In a poll conducted from April 16th to 23rd, 55.6% of 18 respondents rated the mayor's performance as “Very Good”, 11.1% rated it as “Good”, 16.7% rated it as “Slightly Above Average” and 16.7% rated it as “Average.” Students also shared their perspectives on Mamdani's greatest accomplishments, failures, and what they want to see for the rest of his tenure.

Poll respondents emphasized the mayor's likability and ability to connect with New Yorkers. “He seems to be a public servant and not a politician,” says one, “and I really appreciate his authenticity.” In addition to authenticity, respondents mention that they admire Mamdani's “integrity”, “transparency”, and “trusting personality”. According to one respondent, the mayor has “been able to connect with the youth way better than any politician I've seen before.”

While many view Mamdani’s personality as a breath of fresh air, when it comes to policy, there are some divides. Many students say that Mamdani's work has made real impacts in their lives. “As a mother and lower-income student,” one respondent writes, “childcare is a big factor when it comes to education. Having access to free city programs where your child will be taken care of is very important, especially with mothers who are planning on getting their degree.” Another explains that they “appreciate the work that he's doing to hold abusive landlords accountable for their neglect of tenants.” Respondents voiced their approval for Mamdani's healthcare initiatives, support of food delivery drivers, and push for a Pied-à-Terre tax on second homes valued over 5 million dollars in NYC. 

Other students expressed their concerns with Mamdani's work so far. One student said they were disappointed in Mamdani’s absence at the ordination of the new Archbishop of New York. “It seems only fair since he visited other places of worship. This was also a mayoral tradition,” they said. Another poll respondent critiques Mamdani for switching his support from QueensLink (an initiative that would restore an abandoned branch of the subway) in favor of QueensWay, which would change the stretch of land into a public park. The same student also notes that they believe Mamdani's “softening stance on Israel's genocide in Palestine” has been “very disappointing.”

When it comes to hopes for Mamdani's future endeavors, the students' answers vary. Some focus on specific policies such as lower rent and safer streets.  Other respondents set their sights on Mamdani's tenure as a whole. “I hope he will not hold on too tightly to his likability,” one student says, “maintaining political alliances that limit his political power in the process.” Another respondent hopes Mamdani will “pave the way for our next mayoral candidate who can also represent the people who make this city run.”

Only time will tell if Mamdani will continue to fulfill young people's needs and listen to their concerns, but the poll results show that the mayor is an optimistic hit among students. While there's still work to be done, Mamdani's first 100 days have given students hope for a brighter, more affordable future in New York City.

Max Pearson is a City College transfer student majoring in education. Her dream is to be an elementary school teacher and a published novelist. When not writing, she can be found embroidering flowers on her sweaters, exploring NYC, or nerding out about historical medicine to anyone who will listen.