From the streets of New York to around the world, the "Mamdani effect" is taking shape.

Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani won the city’s mayoralty earlier this month, sparking a new era with an election turnout higher than any race in 50 years.

But this isn’t just an American story.

The energy around this movement, its bold ideas on justice, economics, and climate, is resonating with Gen Z far beyond the US.

Victoria University of Wellington senior lecturer Dr Mona Kewel joins The Front Page to explain how Mamdani is flying in the face of reactionary Republican politicians we’ve seen rise to power in the US in recent years.