By HP Wilder
Let’s compare. In New York City, the Democratic mayoral primary just made history. Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Muslim and democratic socialist, surged past former Governor Andrew Cuomo, winning nearly 43.5 percent of the vote in the June 24 primary. He is now on track to become the city’s first Muslim mayor. Like it or not, that’s a seismic shift in the political landscape of America’s largest city.
Meanwhile in Watertown? Crickets.
Even Lisa Ruggiero—the only city council candidate who voted for what many still call the golden age—never actually ran on the fact that she voted for Trump. Not a single candidate in this city campaigned with that as part of their message. No bold statements. No rallies for working-class, pro-America voters. No acknowledgment of the thousands of residents here who still believe in that vision. They all ignored the Trump base entirely, as if it didn’t exist.
So what gives, Watertown?
New York City just embraced a candidate who breaks every mold. Back home, our own candidates couldn’t even say the name Trump without checking the wind first. There was no fire, no real push, just whispers and worn-out slogans. Nobody dared to tap into the populist energy that helped define our national conversation over the past decade.
Watertown needs leaders who aren’t afraid to stand up and say, “Yes, I voted for Trump, and here’s what I believe in.” We need bold ideas, not timid silence. It’s time someone stepped forward and gave this city a reason to care again.
Because change is already here. And if we don’t get in front of it, we’ll just keep watching from the sidelines while history passes us by.
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