Zack Polanski and Zohran Mamdani: Two Creatives; Two Visions of Hope.
Image Author: Rob Browne via Wikimedia Commons
Since Zack Polanski took over as the leader of the Green Party in September, membership has surged at unprecedented speeds, with now over 170,000 members. Across the pond, Zohran Mamdani ran an extraordinary mayoral campaign over the course of 2025, emerging victorious and assuming office as Mayor of New York City on 1 January 2026. Both figures centre their campaigns on human connection, the power of grassroots movements, and the endeavour to make life liveable for the working class.
But a hopeful vision for our futures is not the only thing they share; they are also both creatives.
Prior to becoming a politician, Polanski spent much of his early career as an actor, specialising in immersive theatre. He went to drama school in Atlanta, Georgia, before returning to England to work with what is now Punchdrunk, an experimental theatre practitioner that relies on methods like radical promenade and audience involvement.
Mamdani, the son of one of the most influential Indian filmmakers, Mira Nair, also has his roots in the arts. Under the stage name ‘Young Cardamom” and then “Mr. Cardamom”, Mamdani started out as a hip-hop artist, combining Ugandan-style rap with his Indian roots, ‘filling his music with odes to his culture’ - my personal favourite is his song entitled “Nani”, a catchy, hilarious, and incredibly unserious homage to his grandmother.
Though their creative careers never took off, both politicians carry much of their experience in the arts into their respective campaigns. Both Polanski and Mamdani have been praised unequivocally for their communication; they flourish in debates, in addresses to their supporters, and in exchanges with opponents.
The Guardian wrote that Polanski’s experience as an actor has given him a ‘genuinely unusual style of communication’, labelling it as ‘urgent’ and ‘arresting’.
And yes, I would agree, it is unusual.
Polanski’s speech and language is powered by determination and hope; it is unhesitating and self-assured. Polanski performs for us all; the mere tone of his voice transforms simple language and convinces us that a brighter future is within reach. And, he exposes the sheer mediocrity of other politicians in their lacklustre communicative capabilities.
Similarly, Mamdani’s grip on language is strong. His history in rap bleeds into his debate style; his remarks are short, clear, and fluid. Mamdani’s control over language seems almost reflexive - opposition feeds him lazy provocation , and he flips it with eloquence, stating facts and remaining consistent, all whilst wearing that cheesy smile on his face. During the first New York mayoral election debate last year, Mamdani was faced with claims by his opponent that he lacked “experience” in this field. Without hesitation, Mamdani quipped the now-famous line:
In one simple but fiery sentence, Mamdani established himself as the only candidate in the race who was unafraid of honesty and, to put it simply, a real force to be reckoned with.
Fuelled by their creative backgrounds, Polanski and Mamdani demonstrate a mastery in communication, but this ability should not be so unusual among those in leadership. They have reintroduced the expectation of oratorical skill that is paramount to the public’s belief in politicians, pointing a finger at their opponents who neglect the power of clarity in their campaigns.
Communication is not the only aspect in which both politicians have excelled. Careers in the arts have enabled them to understand what resonates with the broader population. As Mamdani tapped into his culture and found music, and Polanski sang for the London International Gospel Choir, both actively immersed themselves in experiences that require community, teamwork, and understanding. The arts connect people of all backgrounds, and this familiarity with the diverse populations each politician aims to serve shines through their campaigns.
This is not to say that every politician must take the stage a couple times or release an album prior to running for election or working in government. But what Polanski and Mamdani have in common is their undeniable creative skill in convincing, and resonating with, those who need hope in today’s climate.