Queens, once considered Ohio's lesser-known cousin in terms of presidential election significance, has emerged as the nation's new bellwether. This humble New York borough, with its diverse population and unique blend of cultures, has catapulted from obscurity to center stage, reflecting the country's shifting political landscape.
For years, the state of Ohio was seen as a reliable indicator of a presidential candidate's chances. However, in 2020, it voted for Joe Biden without carrying the state, marking the end of its bellwether status. Other states that were once considered battlegrounds, such as Iowa, Missouri, and Florida, have also shifted firmly towards Republican control.
On the other hand, Queens has taken center stage with its remarkable diversity, boasting nearly half foreign-born residents and over 140 languages spoken within its borders. The borough's eclectic neighborhoods, from Flushing's Chinese Times Square to Astoria's Greek enclave, reflect a microcosm of America itself.
In the 2024 elections, Kamala Harris won Queens by a narrow margin of 24 points, marking a significant shift towards Trump. However, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's continued strength in her northern Queens and South Bronx congressional district suggests that the democratic socialist remains a powerful force in the borough.
Zohran Mamdani, a young state assemblyman from Astoria, has emerged as a rising star in Queens politics. His platform of universal childcare, free buses, and rent freezes resonated with working-class Latinos and south Asians, securing him a 47.3% win in the general election.
Trump himself acknowledged Mamdani's ascension, stating that many of his voters supported the assemblyman. The president's connection to Queens, having grown up in Jamaica Estates, has further solidified the borough's importance in national politics.
However, despite this newfound significance, Queens remains underreported by mainstream news outlets. The New York Times, in particular, has been accused of neglecting the borough and its unique issues. This omission was evident during the mayoral race, when Mamdani's strength was initially dismissed by the paper.
In recent months, however, the Times has begun to recognize Queens' growing influence, dubbing it "the new Ohio" after noting its emergence as a key battleground state in the 2025 election cycle. While much work remains to be done, Queens' ascent as a bellwether suggests that the country's politics are becoming increasingly complex and multifaceted – with Queens at the forefront of this shift.
For years, the state of Ohio was seen as a reliable indicator of a presidential candidate's chances. However, in 2020, it voted for Joe Biden without carrying the state, marking the end of its bellwether status. Other states that were once considered battlegrounds, such as Iowa, Missouri, and Florida, have also shifted firmly towards Republican control.
On the other hand, Queens has taken center stage with its remarkable diversity, boasting nearly half foreign-born residents and over 140 languages spoken within its borders. The borough's eclectic neighborhoods, from Flushing's Chinese Times Square to Astoria's Greek enclave, reflect a microcosm of America itself.
In the 2024 elections, Kamala Harris won Queens by a narrow margin of 24 points, marking a significant shift towards Trump. However, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's continued strength in her northern Queens and South Bronx congressional district suggests that the democratic socialist remains a powerful force in the borough.
Zohran Mamdani, a young state assemblyman from Astoria, has emerged as a rising star in Queens politics. His platform of universal childcare, free buses, and rent freezes resonated with working-class Latinos and south Asians, securing him a 47.3% win in the general election.
Trump himself acknowledged Mamdani's ascension, stating that many of his voters supported the assemblyman. The president's connection to Queens, having grown up in Jamaica Estates, has further solidified the borough's importance in national politics.
However, despite this newfound significance, Queens remains underreported by mainstream news outlets. The New York Times, in particular, has been accused of neglecting the borough and its unique issues. This omission was evident during the mayoral race, when Mamdani's strength was initially dismissed by the paper.
In recent months, however, the Times has begun to recognize Queens' growing influence, dubbing it "the new Ohio" after noting its emergence as a key battleground state in the 2025 election cycle. While much work remains to be done, Queens' ascent as a bellwether suggests that the country's politics are becoming increasingly complex and multifaceted – with Queens at the forefront of this shift.
Queens is like the ultimate melting pot 
- it's crazy how one borough can just switch up the game like that! 
I mean, who would've thought that a place with over 140 languages spoken would be more important than Ohio? 
It's kinda cool to see Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez still holding strong in Queens though - she's like the real MVP 
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He's got some solid ideas on universal childcare and rent freezes, which are definitely needed in Queens. 
I'm glad Trump acknowledged him - it shows that even the president knows Queens is where it's at! 
The New York Times needs to step up its game and start covering Queens' unique issues more often. It's like they're sleeping on Queens' growth - it's time to wake them up! 
According to my stats, 70% of Americans now see Queens as a critical swing state, up from 20% last year 
. The borough's got a diverse population, with over 140 languages spoken - it's like the whole world is represented here 
. It's awesome that Kamala Harris and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are holdin' their own in Queens politics 
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The New York Times has only published 300 articles about the borough this year, compared to 1,200 articles on Ohio 
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️, but like I'm not sure if I'm fully on board yet... The fact that it's being touted as a bellwether state is kinda cool, I guess? But what really gets me is how they're neglecting to report on all the issues affecting Queens. Like, don't even get me started on the homelessness crisis or affordable housing 
. Maybe this will push for more inclusive and nuanced reporting on Queens and its issues?
and it's hilarious that Trump acknowledged him as a rising star - talk about a surprise move 
. Can't wait to see how this all plays out in 2025 
it was barely even on the map just a few years ago, but suddenly everyone needs to know about this "new Ohio" 
News outlets like the NY Times are still neglecting the borough's real issues - have you seen any coverage on the rising cost of living in Astoria? 
Give me a break, they're more interested in Kamala Harris and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez than the everyday Queens residents who actually need help 
. The fact that a new generation of leaders like Zohran Mamdani are coming up is super exciting! His platform sounds really inclusive, especially with the focus on universal childcare and affordable buses - that's some real change 
. But you know what's even crazier? The fact that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is still killing it up north 
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. Like, come on, 47.3% of the general election is a big deal! Zohran Mamdani's rise to power is not just some obscure thing happening in Queens - it's a national trend that shows America is becoming way more diverse and complex. And yeah, Trump acknowledging his connection to Queens is like, totally expected, but still a nice touch 
. We need to hear more about the real Queens, not just some watered-down version for the masses 
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. It just goes to show that politics can be super local and specific... like, who knew Astoria was such a battleground 
. Have you guys tried it? I heard their shawarma is on point! Anyway, back to Queens... I love how diverse it is, but have you noticed how expensive food and housing have gotten there lately? I mean, I've lived here for years and I can attest that the rent just keeps going up 
. And don't even get me started on parking in Flushing - ugh!