Is New York City ready for a mayor who finds solace among tombstones? Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for NYC mayor, has turned heads with his peculiar habit of strolling through cemeteries for privacy, drawing sharp comparisons to former Mayor Bill de Blasio.
The New York Post reported that Mamdani, who clinched the Democratic primary win in June 2025, has become the talk of the town after a Time Magazine profile highlighted this odd practice during the week of August 14, 2025.
Photographed at a campaign stop at a Nohble store in the Bronx on August 14, 2025, Mamdani’s public persona contrasts with his private escapes to graveyards, where he seeks quiet between packed meeting schedules. This isn’t just a quirky habit—it’s become a political lightning rod. Critics are quick to pounce, and for good reason.
“I now go to cemeteries a lot between meetings,” Mamdani told Time Magazine, framing these spots as “parks without people.” With all due respect, most New Yorkers would rather their mayor strategize in a coffee shop or office, not wander among headstones for clarity. This choice feels detached from the gritty, bustling reality of the city he aims to lead.
Mamdani’s walks eerily echo the behavior of Bill de Blasio, mayor from 2014 to 2021, who was known for meandering through cemeteries, Prospect Park, and South Street Seaport during his tenure.
It’s no surprise that political foes have dubbed Mamdani “de Blasio 2.0,” a label that carries the baggage of a polarizing administration. While some may see this as a harmless quirk, others question if it signals a deeper disconnect.
Mamdani hasn’t shied away from praising de Blasio, calling him “the best mayor” of his lifetime in a New York Times interview for achievements like universal pre-K and ending stop-and-frisk.
Fair enough—those policies had an impact—but tying himself so closely to a figure many conservatives view as emblematic of progressive overreach might not win over undecided voters. Nostalgia for past leadership won’t fix today’s potholes or crime rates.
Enter the opposition: Curtis Sliwa, the Republican nominee for mayor, and Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, both eager to capitalize on Mamdani’s graveyard jaunts.
Sliwa didn’t mince words on X, stating, “NYC doesn’t need another Mayor who wanders graveyards.” He’s got a point—leadership demands presence, not retreat to places most associate with mourning, not problem-solving.
Cuomo’s camp chimed in too, with spokesman Rich Azzopardi posting on X, “Well, this is weird.” While Cuomo’s campaign quirks—like parking his Dodge Charger illegally outside events—hardly make him a paragon of normalcy, the jab at Mamdani lands with voters wary of eccentric governance. Hypocrisy aside, the criticism underscores a valid concern about image in a city that never sleeps.
Mamdani’s defenders might argue he’s just seeking balance in a hectic campaign, but his past actions—like a 15-day hunger strike for taxi drivers’ debt relief during de Blasio’s era—suggest a flair for dramatic gestures over practical solutions.
Admirable as that dedication may be, governing requires more than symbolic acts. New Yorkers need a mayor grounded in day-to-day realities, not lost in somber reflection.
Beyond cemeteries, Mamdani’s knack for attention-grabbing moves includes walking the entire 13.4-mile length of Manhattan, a journey he shared via social media videos with followers.
It’s a bold way to connect with the city, no question, but paired with his graveyard retreats, it paints a picture of a candidate more performative than pragmatic. Voters might wonder if these stunts translate to effective policy.
“I already miss being outside,” Mamdani lamented to Time Magazine, a sentiment many can relate to in a post-pandemic world. Yet, choosing burial grounds over public parks or sidewalks as a remedy feels like a misstep for someone vying to represent millions. Surely, there’s a better way to recharge without fueling such peculiar headlines.
The comparisons to de Blasio aren’t just about walking habits—they tap into broader fears of a return to policies conservatives see as overly progressive, from taxing the rich to expansive social programs.
While Mamdani’s intentions may be sincere, his symbolic choices risk alienating those who crave a more grounded, no-nonsense approach. Perception matters as much as policy in a race this tight.
As the mayoral race heats up, Mamdani’s rivals are banking on these oddities to sway public opinion, and they might not be wrong to try. Sliwa and Cuomo, despite their flaws, have latched onto a narrative that could resonate with New Yorkers tired of leaders who seem out of touch. It’s a fair critique, even if delivered with a smirk.