That’s just what we do in the December issue of The Nation, which features Mamdani on the cover. We put faith in Mamdani early—endorsing him when pundits were still dismissing his candidacy and, after he surprised the world by winning the city’s Democratic primary, featuring an exclusive interview with him.

Our introduction to the December issue argues that, for the good of New York and the nation, the new mayor must now deliver on his promise to put government in the service of working-class families. Recognizing the threat posed by Trumpism, Mamdani tells us, “You cannot defeat this attack on democracy unless you prove its worth.” He’s right. But he cannot do it alone. We’ve all got to be in on this fight. So our December issue also offers a “how-to” manual for progressives: featuring Run For Something’s Amanda Litman on recruiting young, dynamic candidates for the 2026 election cycle, Elie Mystal on fighting for the Voting Rights Act, a brilliant essay by Rebecca Solnit on the importance of pushing back against right-wing lies, and so much more.

This is a vital issue of The Nation, filled with fresh reporting on the pushback that is gaining steam against the cruelty and failed vision of a president who has met his match in the 34-year-old mayor-elect of New York City.

—Katrina vanden Heuvel

Editor and Publisher, The Nation

—John Nichols

Executive Editor, The Nation

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