Mamdani Defines Socialism as Government Guaranteeing a ‘Dignified Life’ in Theo Von Interview

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani offered his personal definition of socialism during an appearance on podcaster Theo Von’s show, telling Von that government should be responsible for ensuring every person’s basic needs are met.

Asked by Von to “define socialism for us,” Mamdani replied: “Socialism, to me, it means that you will have whatever you need to live a dignified life, and that it is the government’s job to deliver on that.”

“Socialism, to me, it means that you will have whatever you need to live a dignified life, and that it is the government’s job to deliver on that.” — Zohran Mamdani

Von had prefaced his question by acknowledging his own uncertainty about the term, telling Mamdani that people use the word “a lot and don’t know what it is. And sometimes those people are me.”

The exchange is one of several from the wide-ranging interview, which also touched on Mamdani’s stated positions on U.S. membership in the International Criminal Court and his support for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, positions previously reported on by outlets covering the mayor’s foreign policy views.

Mamdani’s definition differs from the standard dictionary meaning of socialism. Merriam-Webster defines the term as a system involving collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods. Mamdani is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, an organization whose platform includes a range of positions on economic and social policy.

Critics have noted that Mamdani’s phrasing — centered on providing “whatever you need” — echoes the Marxist formulation “to each according to his needs,” a principle more commonly associated with communist theory than with socialism as conventionally defined.

Mamdani’s remarks come weeks ahead of the midterm elections, as Democratic candidates across the country navigate how to discuss socialist and left-leaning economic policies with voters.