Alex Soros publicly confirmed he voted for Socialist New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a move that highlights how major outside donors shape local races. The younger Soros now chairs the Open Society Foundations and has ties to groups that backed Mamdani’s rise. That backing, the national attention and sharp criticism from President Trump all collide in a mayoral contest that has morphed into a proxy fight over ideology and outside money.
Alex Soros said plainly, “I was proud to support and vote for the Democratic candidate for mayor,” in an emailed statement on Election Day. He is the son of Open Society Foundations founder George Soros and took over as chair of the board in 2022. His role has put a spotlight on how family money and institutional power can influence local politics.
Reports tie the Open Society network to tens of millions in funding that flowed to groups instrumental in Mamdani’s path to the ballot, including organizations that help shape nominations and endorsements. That financial ecosystem often operates behind the scenes, yet it can determine which candidates get the critical early boost. For many voters this raises straightforward questions about influence and accountability.
The mayoral field itself is unusual and messy, with Mamdani, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary, and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the mix. That lineup turned a city contest into a national story, drawing attention from donors and political operatives across the country. A socialist candidate at the top of the ticket has made this race a test case for national debates over public safety, taxes and governance.
The 2025 election cycle also includes other high-profile fights, like gubernatorial contests in New Jersey and Virginia and a special election in California centered on redistricting. George Soros’s involvement extends beyond New York; he contributed $10 million to a redistricting initiative in California this year. Those cross-state investments make clear that political money doesn’t respect municipal borders when it comes to shaping policy and power.
President Donald Trump has not held back in his reaction, calling Mamdani a “communist” and increasing scrutiny on the Soros family for their donations to left-wing causes and candidates. He wrote on Truth Social, “Soros, and his group of psychopaths, have caused great damage to our Country! That includes his Crazy, West Coast friends. Be careful, we’re watching you!” Trump has also pushed for investigations into George and Alex Soros, turning private philanthropy into a matter of public controversy.
A request for comment to the Open Society Foundations did not immediately receive a reply, leaving some questions unanswered about the goals behind specific investments and endorsements. What is clear is that the combination of big money, ideological organizing and national political theater has transformed a city election into a high-stakes national event. Voters will see how much influence outside donors should have when ballot boxes are counted and new leaders take office.
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