Bernie Sanders Criticized for Not Being a True New Yorker

Columnist argues Sanders' socialist politics don't resonate with many New Yorkers

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:51pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a deserted New York City street corner at dusk, with warm sunlight casting long shadows across the pavement and buildings. The scene conveys a sense of quiet contemplation and the complexities of urban life.The commentary examines how national political figures can struggle to connect with the nuanced realities of New York City's urban landscape.Burlington Today

Columnist Froma Harrop criticizes Sen. Bernie Sanders for not being a true New Yorker, despite his Brooklyn-style rhetoric. Harrop argues Sanders fled New York City in the 1960s as part of the 'white flight' and built his political career in the overwhelmingly white state of Vermont. She also notes that Sanders received fewer votes in his home state of Vermont than Kamala Harris did in the 2024 presidential election, suggesting Vermonters are less enthusiastic about him than the New York left.

Why it matters

This commentary highlights the disconnect between Sanders' socialist politics and the views of many New Yorkers, who are wary of radical ideas. It also raises questions about whether Sanders' celebrity and speaking style resonate more with certain voters than his actual policy positions and political record.

The details

Harrop argues that Sanders, despite his Brooklyn-style rhetoric, is not actually a New Yorker. She says he fled the city nearly 60 years ago as part of the 'white flight' of the 1960s, moving to the overwhelmingly white state of Vermont to join other white radicals. There, Harrop says, Sanders was able to build his political career 'unbothered by angry blacks' in a place like Burlington, which was less than 1% black at the time. Harrop also notes that in the 2024 election, Sanders received fewer votes in his home state of Vermont than Kamala Harris did, suggesting Vermonters are less enthusiastic about him than the New York left.

  • In 1968, Sanders moved to Vermont's biggest city, Burlington, to join other white radicals.
  • In the 2024 presidential election, Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris, and Sanders was also on the Vermont ballot vying for another Senate term.

The players

Bernie Sanders

A U.S. Senator from Vermont who has been a prominent figure in the Democratic Party's progressive wing, known for his socialist politics.

Zohran Mamdani

The current mayor of New York City, who is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.

Letitia James

The Attorney General of New York.

Jamaal Bowman

A member of the left-wing 'Squad' in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Ritchie Torres

A U.S. Representative who represents parts of the South Bronx in New York City.

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What they’re saying

“Sanders was also on that Vermont ballot, vying for another term as senator. But Vermonters seemed less enthusiastic about Sanders than the New York left. He won reelection, but after getting fewer votes in his own state than Kamala Harris did.”

— Froma Harrop, Columnist

The takeaway

This commentary highlights the challenges Sanders may face in appealing to many New Yorkers, who are wary of his socialist politics and view him as an outsider, despite his Brooklyn-style rhetoric. It suggests that voters who deeply identify with the places they live may be a harder sell for Sanders and other politicians who try to leverage celebrity and slogans over substantive connections to the community.