Sewer Socialism: Zohran Mamdani and the New Approach to NYC Governance

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani is implementing “sewer socialism,” a political philosophy focusing on exemplary public services like sanitation to demonstrate socialist ideals. This approach, which includes a $4 million public toilet expansion, mirrors early 20th-century Milwaukee politics and contrasts with former Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s safety-focused “broken windows” policy.

What is sewer socialism?

The term originated from a 1932 speech by socialist leader Morris Hillquit at a party convention in Milwaukee. According to Gregg Hoffmann of WisPolitics.com, Hillquit used the phrase to mock Milwaukee socialists who frequently boasted about the city’s excellent public sewer system.

Today, the philosophy focuses on providing high-quality public services as a means of proving the efficacy of socialist ideals. Mayor Mamdani told podcaster Derek Thompson that the goal is to showcase ideals by delivering services and letting that delivery “be the argument itself.”

This approach is appearing in multiple U.S. cities. Axios reported that the philosophy is “flowing through America’s cities,” citing the administrations of Mamdani in New York and Mayor-elect Katie Wilson in Seattle.

Did You Know? Morris Hillquit originally coined the term “sewer socialist” in 1932 to deride politicians who believed socialism consisted merely of providing clear sewers in Milwaukee.

How does this approach compare to past NYC policies?

Mamdani’s strategy focuses on public goods, which he has termed “pothole politics.” This contrasts with the “broken windows” policy utilized by former Republican Mayor Rudy Giuliani starting in 1994. While both aimed to improve “quality of life,” their methods differed fundamentally.

Former Police Commissioner William Bratton stated that Giuliani’s directive focused on “quality of life crimes,” such as graffiti and property destruction, to restore public confidence in safety. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, instead emphasizes the delivery of public excellence, such as his $4 million initiative to expand public toilets.

E.J. Dionne Jr. wrote in The New York Times that this focus on working-class improvements mirrors the tenure of Daniel Hoan, a socialist who served as Milwaukee’s mayor for 24 years beginning in 1916.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that by anchoring ideological goals to tangible infrastructure—like sewers or toilets—administrations attempt to lower the perceived risk of socialism. The stakes involve whether voters will transition from supporting basic service improvements to embracing broader socialist systemic changes.

Why is the philosophy seeing a resurgence?

Demographic shifts may be driving the popularity of these ideas. A Cato Institute/YouGov survey found that 62% of Americans aged 18–29 hold a “favorable view” of socialism. Samuel J. Abrams told the Deseret News that socialism is “no longer taboo” for younger voters and has entered the political mainstream.

The Democratic Civil War over Zohran Mamdani

However, broader national support remains divided. A 2025 Gallup poll cited by Axios shows 39% of U.S. adults view socialism positively, while 54% view capitalism positively. The poll noted that Democrats are significantly more likely to favor socialism than Republicans or independents.

Allysia Finley wrote in The Wall Street Journal that socialism’s strongest opponents are often immigrants who suffered under the system in their home countries. Finley argued that the most enthusiastic supporters are often well-to-do young people who have not experienced privation.

What may happen next?

The Mamdani administration could attempt to rebrand the philosophy to increase its appeal. According to Emma Goldberg of The New York Times, the mayor’s team has floated the term “street socialism” as an alternative to “sewer socialism.”

Mamdani may face challenges expanding this model beyond specific urban demographics. Given the 2025 Gallup data showing a preference for capitalism among a majority of U.S. adults, the “pothole politics” approach could struggle to gain traction in regions where Republican or independent voters predominate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of sewer socialism?
The goal is to demonstrate socialist ideals by providing exemplary public services, such as sanitation, rather than through lecturing or theoretical arguments.

How does “pothole politics” differ from “broken windows” policing?
“Pothole politics” focuses on delivering public goods and excellence in services, while “broken windows” policing focuses on cracking down on nonviolent “quality of life crimes” like graffiti to ensure public safety.

Which age group most strongly supports socialist ideas according to the source?
Young American adults are the strongest backers, with 62% of those aged 18–29 reporting a favorable view of socialism in a Cato Institute/YouGov survey.

Do you believe that improving basic city services is an effective way to change a voter’s political ideology?