The Perez Notes

Dr. Ashwin Vasan, former NYC Health Commissioner, joins The Perez Notes to reflect on his proudest moments leading the city’s public health response, the meaning of Zohran Mamdani’s primary win for South Asians, and how his work as a physician, epidemiologist, and advocate continues to shape public health in NYC and beyond.

🎙️ Bradley Tusk on NYC Politics, Mobile Voting & the Future of the Democratic Party

Venture capitalist and political strategist Bradley Tusk joins The Perez Notes for a wide-ranging conversation on the crossroads of power, tech, and elections.

We get into:

🗳️ The chaos and stakes of the NYC Democratic primary

📱 His bold push for mobile voting and what’s standing in the way

🏛️ Reflections on Andrew Cuomo, machine politics, and what’s changed

🧭 The rising influence of progressives like Zohran Mamdani

🏙️ What the future looks like for city and state politics

Tusk doesn’t hold back—and neither do we.

📲 Subscribe: linktr.ee/thepereznotes

🎙️ The Perez Notes – Interview with Ethan Stark-Miller, Senior Politics Reporter at amNewYork

In this episode, I sit down with Ethan Stark-Miller, senior politics reporter for amNewYork, to break down the latest currents shaping New York City politics. From City Hall to Albany, we discuss the behind-the-scenes dynamics driving 2025’s biggest races, the state of local media coverage, and what reporters are watching as the city gears up for its next political chapter. Ethan also shares insights from his time covering Eric Adams, City Council power plays, and the ever-evolving influence of progressive movements across the five boroughs.

Whether you’re a political junkie or just trying to make sense of NYC’s shifting landscape, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

On this episode of The Perez Notes, I speak with reporter Peter Sterne, editor at City & State NY, about the growing political influence of the Democratic Socialists of America in New York. We discuss how DSA organizers approached the recent Democratic primary, their impact on key races, and what the results signal for the movement’s future. Peter also breaks down the upcoming general election for New York City mayor and gives us a look ahead at the additional primaries DSA is eyeing across the city and state. It’s an insightful conversation about strategy, momentum, and the evolving left flank of New York politics.

On this episode of The Perez Notes, I’m joined by Council Member Chi Ossé, who represents Brooklyn’s 36th District and is the youngest member of the New York City Council. We talk about the NYC Democratic mayoral primary, the national Democratic race, and the evolving political landscape in Central Brooklyn. Chi reflects on his role as co-chair of the Brooklyn Delegation, discusses his recent legislative wins around housing and affordability, and offers his perspective on the future of progressive politics in New York City.

Ali Najmi on Power, Politics & the South Asian Vote

On this episode of The Perez Notes, I’m joined by NYC attorney and political strategist Ali Najmi—election law expert, civil rights defender, and longtime advisor to Zohran Mamdani. We dive into the critical role South Asian and Muslim voters played in reshaping the Democratic primary, the strategy behind Zohran’s historic win, and what it signals for the future of NYC politics.

Ali also shares sharp insights on Eric Adams’ vulnerability, Andrew Cuomo’s attempted comeback, and what to expect heading into the general election. This one’s all about coalitions, community power, and the ground game that made the difference.

🎧 Full episode → linktr.ee/thepereznotes

In this episode of The Perez Notes, I’m joined by veteran journalist Laura Nahmias, Senior Reporter at Bloomberg News, former Daily News editorial board member, and POLITICO alum, for a no-holds-barred breakdown of the latest shifts in New York politics.

🗳️ Episode Highlights:

• ​ Cuomo vs. Mamdani — Round Two. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo has launched an independent bid to challenge Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani in the November general election — setting the stage for a rematch after losing the primary  . Laura breaks down Cuomo’s strategy, the implications for progressive vs. centrist voters, and what this clash signals for New York politics.
• ​ Mayor Adams Raises the Stakes. Eric Adams is flexing major fundraising muscle in his bid for re-election — and it’s affecting how donors, operatives, and voters are positioning themselves. Laura brings the inside scoop on his latest financial haul and how it plays into a fracturing three-way race.

🔗 Tune in to The Perez Notes wherever you get your podcasts for a masterclass in New York political coverage — smart, timely, and essential for anyone following the city’s next chapter.

In this episode of The Perez Notes, I sit down with Adam Carlson, veteran pollster and founder of the newly launched Zenith Research. We dive into the 2025 NYC Democratic primary, exploring what the polling got right—and what it missed. Adam walks us through some of the anomalies in the numbers and breaks down how polling really works, from methodology to messaging impact. It’s a candid conversation about the science behind the polls, public trust, and why transparency and rigor matter more than ever in this political moment.

Jasmine Gripper on the Democratic Primary, Cuomo’s Influence, and the Road to November

On this episode, I’m joined by Jasmine Gripper, co-executive director of the Working Families Party. We break down the results of New York’s Democratic primaries, including Zohran Mamdani’s headline-making victory. Jasmine offers sharp insight into Andrew Cuomo’s attempted political comeback, Mayor Eric Adams’ standing within the party, and what the WFP sees as the stakes heading into November’s general election. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about power, accountability, and the progressive path forward.

In this episode, I’m joined by political scientist and commentator Christina Greer for a wide-ranging conversation on the aftermath of the NYC Democratic primary. We unpack Zohran Mamdani’s headline-making victory, what it signals for the city’s progressive movement, and what it all means for Mayor Eric Adams’ reelection prospects. We also discuss the political future of Andrew Cuomo, break down the biggest winners and losers of primary night, and close out with some thoughts on the Knicks’ decision to part ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau. Politics and basketball—this one has it all.