On this episode of The Perez Notes, I’m joined by journalist and political commentator Ross Barkan, a contributing writer for Crain’s New York Business and The New York Times. Ross returns to the show to reflect on his 2020 State Senate campaign—where he was joined by a then-rising political organizer named Zohran Mamdani, who served as his campaign manager.

We discuss Zohran’s political ascent since then, his role in New York’s progressive movement, and the stakes in the current NYC Democratic primary. A sharp, thoughtful conversation on where city politics has been—and where it’s heading. 🎙️ #NYCpolitics #ZohranMamdani #RossBarkan #ThePerezNotes