At a time when the vocabulary of the progressive left feels hollowed out and political participation continues to decline, a handful of figures are trying to reverse the slide.
In today’s shifting political landscape, progressive voices are redefining what it means to advocate for social change. Two leaders at the forefront of this movement are Zohran Mamdani, a member of the New York State Assembly, and Zack Polanski, the Deputy Leader of the Green Party in the UK. Though they operate in different contexts, both embody a vision of progressive politics that emphasises empathy, accountability, and collective care. Their work serves as a meaningful response to the cynicism often associated with traditional political practices.
Empathy as a Political Foundation
Zohran Mamdani’s political journey reflects his deep commitment to grassroots activism. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, he witnessed firsthand how housing insecurity, migration issues, and social dignity intersect to affect marginalised communities. This became clear during his campaign for Good Cause Eviction, where he brought the stories of tenants facing displacement directly into the legislative arena, putting human consequences at the centre of the housing debate.
Mamdani advocates for policies that empower these communities, focusing on material justice and equity. For him, addressing the symptoms of inequality is never enough; real change requires understanding root causes and mobilising community power to challenge the status quo.
His commitment is evident in his legislative efforts, which often prioritise housing rights and social justice initiatives. Mamdani engages directly with constituents through town halls and community events, making sure that the voices of those most impacted by policy decisions are not only heard but also actively shape the legislative agenda. This grassroots organising approach is crucial in a political climate that can sometimes overlook the needs of everyday people. It’s a strategy that has earned him admiration but also resistance from segments of the Democratic Party, often uncomfortable with legislators who publicly challenge the local establishment.
Polanski, by contrast, operates in a completely different political ecosystem: a minor party that survives through radical transparency and participatory energy rather than institutional strength. As the Deputy Leader of the Green Party, he champions transparency and accountability in governance. Polanski believes that political engagement should be a two-way street, where communities actively participate in the decision-making processes that affect their lives. His emphasis on environmental justice ties the climate crisis to broader social issues, asserting that the fight for a sustainable future must also encompass social equity. His work on air quality in London, often carried out alongside residents in heavily polluted neighbourhoods, shows how he treats the climate crisis as a social emergency as much as an ecological one.
Polanski’s advocacy extends beyond the walls of government. He works to engage citizens in participatory initiatives that empower them not just to vote, but to be active agents of change: adifficult task in a country where trust in political institutions is at a historic low, and where Labour is often seen as too cautious to confront the depth of the climate crisis.
By fostering a culture of trust and cooperation, he aims to create a political landscape where individuals feel that their contributions matter. This focus on building relationships is especially important in a society where disillusionment with traditional politics runs deep.
Turning Principles into Action
Both Mamdani and Polanski effectively translate their moral convictions into real-world political action. For Mamdani, storytelling is a powerful tool. He shares the narratives of individuals directly affected by housing policies and immigration laws, illustrating the human side of political decisions. This method not only humanises abstract issues but also establishes a connection with constituents, making it easier for them to understand the stakes involved. By prioritising the stories of those who typically go unheard in political discourse, Mamdani fosters a sense of shared purpose and urgency.His stories are never neutral; they function as political pressure, forcing debates that would otherwise ignore the people most affected.
Polanski employs a different yet complementary strategy, leveraging participatory forums and community discussions. He advocates for local councils to involve residents in shaping policies that impact their lives, while remaining aware that without deeper institutional presence, such participation risks being confined to symbolic initiatives. By framing the climate crisis as a shared challenge that requires collective action, Polanski encourages people from all walks of life to engage in discussions about sustainability and justice.
Their shared commitment to empathy also manifests in how they react to criticism and challenges. Both leaders maintain open lines of communication with their constituents, acknowledging their concerns and working collaboratively to address them. This commitment to transparency fosters trust, making constituents more likely to engage with the political process.
A New Definition of Progressivism
Mamdani and Polanski’s rise represents a broader shift in the definition of progressivism itself. They challenge the entrenched notion that political success depends on charisma or individual ambition at a time when many nominally progressive parties have embraced a technocratic pragmatism that has eroded their ties to working-class and marginalised communities. Instead, their political philosophies are rooted in the idea that true leadership comes from fostering community, collaboration, and accountability.
This redefinition of progressivism is especially relevant in the context of growing disillusionment with traditional political figures who prioritise personal gain over collective welfare. By centring their campaigns around community needs and moral values, Mamdani and Polanski offer a compelling alternative that resonates with constituents eager for authenticity and meaningful change.
As they navigate their political landscapes, both leaders exemplify how progressive politics can embrace a more inclusive and ethical approach. They demonstrate that by breaking down barriers, fostering dialogue, and prioritising genuine connections, politicians can create a political culture that is both responsive and responsible.
Zohran Mamdani and Zack Polanski are not just leading figures in their respective contexts; they are part of a larger movement towards a new, compassionate politics. Their emphasis on empathy, accountability, and collective care offers a refreshing counterpoint to the cynicism prevalent in much of contemporary political discourse.
As they continue to influence their parties and communities, their work serves as a blueprint for future leaders seeking to revitalise the global left. By transforming ethical narratives into actionable policies, Mamdani and Polanski are paving the way for a politics grounded in shared humanity, demonstrating that moral engagement can indeed bring about meaningful change in society. Through their efforts, they remind us that politics is not just about power; it is fundamentally about people and their shared hopes for a better future.
Without leaders willing to rebuild trust from the ground up, the left risks speaking a language that fewer and fewer people recognise.
