Mamdani Ditches Nice-Guy Act: CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp on Rob Schmitt Tonight

After last week’s election, the Democratic Party has taken an even more radical turn—electing an Attorney General in Virginia who has openly expressed a willingness to commit violence against political opponents, and elevating a self-proclaimed democratic socialist to lead our nation’s largest city and economic hub. Less than a year ago, then–New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani was relatively unknown, but he has since risen to stardom within the Democratic Party. Running a viral social media campaign built on a polished “nice guy act,” Mamdani presented himself as an approachable champion of the working class, successfully defeating the establishment in the New York City Democratic primary. He was ultimately elected mayor with the party’s support—showcasing the concerning direction the party is heading.

CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp commented on the rise of socialism within the Democratic Party during an appearance on Rob Schmitt Tonight on Newsmax, highlighting how the party is increasingly embracing democratic socialism and even elements of political violence while promising expansive government programs and handouts to remain competitive.

“Socialism has never worked, anywhere, at any time—except for the people who run it,” Schlapp said, emphasizing that socialism consistently benefits those in power at the expense of the working class. He warned that the strain on and exodus of low- and middle-income workers will only grow under the costly government programs and handouts Mamdani is promising. “All the things he talks about will supposedly make your life better. The government can come in and set a price, but as you know, every time they do that, you get less of that commodity. Anything the government comes in and controls or taxes, you get less of.”

It has become clear that with endorsements from establishment figures such as New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, Mamdani is now fully embraced by his party’s leadership—further signaling the Democratic Party’s drift toward violent radicalism and socialism. “Between this radical Attorney General promoting violence in Virginia and this mayor of New York City, I think we’re going to see a perfect example of what this new progressive-socialist Democratic Party is all about,” Schlapp warned.

America’s future depends on confronting this rise in political violence and socialism—because, as Schlapp said, everywhere these destructive policies have been tried, they have failed. All Americans must remain vigilant, stand firm in defense of our shared values, and work together to safeguard the nation’s economic prosperity and freedom.