New York City stands on the brink of a significant political moment. The race for mayor has captured national attention as Zohran Mamdani, a self-proclaimed socialist, faces off against prominent candidates, including former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Gene Hamilton, co-founder of America First Legal and a former Trump administration official, expressed deep concern about the implications of a Mamdani victory. He stated, “I could never fathom the thought of having a Marxist leading my city, the crown jewel city of the United States.”

This election, Hamilton emphasizes, could signal a dangerous shift towards Marxism in one of the world’s most influential cities. Polls indicate a divide among voters, particularly between U.S.-born and foreign-born citizens, with the latter trending towards Mamdani. Hamilton interprets this as indicative of the consequences of long-standing immigration policies that have favored integration over assimilation. “Assimilation was treated as a dirty word,” he explained, highlighting a worrying trend where new arrivals are being integrated without the need to adopt the foundational American culture.

Hamilton, who served as White House Deputy Counsel, points out that while it is vital to appreciate diverse cultures brought in by immigrants, newcomers to the United States should not disregard the customs and values of the nation they are entering. He stressed the importance of adhering to existing immigration laws, stating, “You can’t admit somebody to the United States who’s been a member of a totalitarian party or communist party.” He argues that the failure to enforce these laws contributes to a dangerous erosion of American values.

He elaborated on how the oath taken by naturalized citizens is meant to reinforce this commitment to the American identity, which he believes is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the nation. “This wraps together to this devaluation of the value of an American, the American identity,” Hamilton added, warning that the very essence of what makes America distinct is at stake.

In the context of the mayoral race, Hamilton warns that widespread immigration without adequate appreciation for Western values and the U.S. Constitution fails to honor the sacrifices made by America’s founders. He expressed concern that there exists a misplaced belief that as long as immigrants contribute economically, any background or ideology is acceptable. “This just defies common sense,” Hamilton argued, underscoring the need for a rational approach to immigration.

The handling of immigration has been a pivotal issue since last year’s presidential election, and Hamilton criticized the Biden administration’s approach to border security. He stated that Americans have “outright rejected the open borders mentality,” highlighting the need for a nuanced and responsible immigration policy that recognizes the long-term implications of current practices.

As the election approaches, Hamilton reflects on the strategy New York Republicans should adopt. Although a Republican candidate is in the race, political maneuvering has led some to believe that voting for Cuomo might disadvantage Mamdani. Hamilton suggested that individuals must accept difficult realities. “Whatever it takes to ensure that you do get a Marxist in office is a reasonable decision to make,” he asserted, indicating that strategic voting could be necessary in this high-stakes contest.

Looking beyond the 2025 elections, Hamilton anticipates a ripple effect on future midterms should Mamdani win. “Certainly I think you’ll see the Democratic Party rally around him,” he predicted, suggesting that a Mamdani victory may embolden a more radical agenda within the Democratic platform. He cautioned that the repercussions of Mamdani’s policies might not be immediately visible but could have lasting impacts on the city.

In summary, the impending mayoral election in New York City is not just a local event; it serves as a potential bellwether for broader national trends in political ideology. With candidates representing vastly different worldviews, the stakes could not be higher. Hamilton’s reflections provide a critical lens through which to view the implications of this election, emphasizing a need for vigilance in preserving the values that have defined American identity.