It’s been over a month since Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani stunned the city with his victory in the Democratic mayoral primary, a result that has sent shockwaves through the political establishment. Among the most forceful responses came from longtime Democratic strategist Dr. Hank Sheinkopf, who warned, “If Mamdani is elected mayor, Jewish New York is finished. It’s only a question of when the lights get turned out.”

Sheinkopf joined NY1’s Errol Louis to unpack his stark assessment and share his deep concerns about the city’s direction. Their wide-ranging conversation covered the strategy behind Mamdani’s campaign, the influence of new voters and shifting demographics, and how national and international tensions - particularly around Israel - are reshaping local politics. Sheinkopf also reflected on New York’s civic culture, its complicated history and his call for a return to pragmatic, centrist leadership in an increasingly polarized political landscape.