Socialism, once considered a fringe ideology in American politics, is increasingly shaping mainstream debates and campaigns in several major US cities.
From New York to Seattle, candidates openly identifying as democratic socialists are emerging as serious contenders in local races.
In New York City, Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and current frontrunner in the city's mayoral race, has become a lightning rod for both enthusiasm and criticism.
A vocal advocate for the "Free Palestine" movement, Mamdani drew attention recently for his delayed response to President Donald Trump's Gaza ceasefire deal.
Candidates like Mamdani are changing the landscape of American politics, bringing socialist ideas into the mainstream.
Author's summary: Socialism is gaining traction in US cities.