Zohran Mamdani’s recent victory in the mayoral election has inspired a wave of activism among young political organizers across the United States. Immediately after his victory, Leslie Chang, East San Gabriel Valley coordinator for the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), went to work. As deputy campaign manager, Wong organized canvassing efforts in Manhattan’s Chinatown to help build support for Mamdani’s progressive agenda. Joining her were Katie Sims from Ithaca, Brynn Lemos from Denver, and Clayton Ryles from Los Angeles. The canvassing took place just ahead of an exciting Rally for Our Lives march. This TNSF25 Signature Event will feature Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez & Mamdani on October 25, 2025.
Mamdani’s campaign has generated a tremendous amount of excitement not just in New York but has inspired young activists all over the country. Whatever the reason, his message seems to have sparked something among the DSA’s Los Angeles chapter, which claims about 4,000 members strong. Activists believe that Mamdani’s success in New York City offers an inspiring blueprint. They hope that it will serve as a catalyst to help accomplish similar successes in other big cities.
Here’s Leslie Chang reflecting on her canvassing experiences. She pointed to a dramatic difference in the level of engagement of voters between New York and Los Angeles.
“They would say: look at the condition of this place that I live in. We are still waiting for repairs from the hurricane. Why should I give a shit who is running for office if my life hasn’t gotten better?” – Leslie Chang
Chang’s efforts were not in a vacuum. Paul Zappia, a leader of DSA-LA and the Democratic Socialist movement nationally, canvassing in Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood, late October 2022. His affinity for Mamdani started at the 2023 DSA national conference in a packed Chicago auditorium. There, Mamdani delivered a keynote address that inspired the audience. District 8’s Zappia also highlighted the importance of Mamdani’s campaign, calling it a “symbol of hope” that change is possible.
“People are just really looking for a sort of sign that things can turn around. In order to actually affect the change that we want to see, we have to first believe that we can actually do it.” – Paul Zappia
The alarm in Zappia’s words is part of a larger feeling among the deep green. Tired of old politics, millions of Americans are disenchanted with the status quo. They desire candidates who can tell a beautiful vision story that connects on a deeper level with their lived experience.
Clayton Ryles, who helped lead the canvassing effort, confirmed Zappia’s observations about voter sentiment.
“Nobody was excited about the election. Everybody was like this is being inflicted upon us. We have to decide one way or another. For Zohran, most of the people were enthusiastic about what could happen with his mayoral tenure.” – Clayton Ryles
As excitement builds around the upcoming November 4, 2025 election, DSA-LA members have organized watch parties to showcase Mamdani’s journey and discuss related issues such as Proposition 50. The event will take place at a Downtown Los Angeles bar, providing an opportunity for members to come together and share their hopes and aspirations.
Neda Davarpanah, a political strategist experienced with DSA campaigns, made an important observation. She emphasized the importance of candidates having a concrete policy vision tied to real impacts on constituents.
“A policy vision that materially impacts your constituents is something every candidate should take to heart. This is what actually inspires people to get involved when they actually see what you’re going to deliver.” – Neda Davarpanah
Mamdani’s campaign is generating buzz well past the borders of New York. After the legacy of that summer, Chang, Zappia, and Ryles are returning that same energy back to Los Angeles. The recent canvassing efforts highlight a commitment to community engagement and grassroots organizing that they hope will lead to transformative change.
Lead organizer Paul Zappia shared the feeling of goodwill among the people-power canvassers as they hit the doors.
“It’s just a bunch of people who are there on their free time and want to spend a couple hours on their Saturday together with other people that also care about their fellow working class people. And it was just such a blast.” – Paul Zappia