New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has criticised the Democratic Party's internal structure, telling Rolling Stone that it is now effectively controlled by "well-paid consultants and big money interests" rather than ordinary members or voters. The remarks add to ongoing debate within the party about its direction, coming amid broader tension between its establishment wing and a growing progressive and socialist-aligned faction that Mamdani himself represents.

Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist who won the New York City mayoralty, has previously drawn scrutiny from critics, including a former Clinton official who has warned that a "radical" socialist takeover could damage the party if left unaddressed. His comments to Rolling Stone position him as a critic of the party establishment even as he now holds one of its most prominent elected offices, reflecting friction between insurgent left-wing figures and longtime party operatives and donors.