The concept of “hot girls” as a voting bloc may not fit traditional categories like young men or the college-educated, but since the 2020 election, it has gained a unique status in digital circles. This trend emerged in 2020 when model Emily Ratajkowski endorsed Bernie Sanders’s presidential campaign. Following her lead, many self-identified “hot girls” began expressing their support with selfies and the hashtag #HotGirlsForBernie. This movement aimed to counter the “Bernie bro” stereotype, which suggested Sanders’s supporters were predominantly male and overly aggressive.
Five years later, the “Hot Girls for Bernie” movement has become a nostalgic symbol of youthful progressive optimism before Donald Trump’s subsequent presidency. However, the phrase has resurfaced in support of Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist and state assemblyman from Queens, who is running for New York City mayor. A social media presence called “Hot Girls 4 Zohran” has emerged on platforms like X and Instagram, offering free campaign merchandise.
Though not officially affiliated with Mamdani’s campaign, this initiative reflects the grassroots enthusiasm surrounding his candidacy. Mamdani lacks the widespread name recognition of contenders such as the current mayor, Eric Adams, or former Governor Andrew Cuomo. However, his campaign has drawn support from hyper-progressive circles by proposing policies that challenge mainstream norms, including raising the city’s minimum wage to $30, establishing city-owned grocery stores, and making childcare and bus fares free.
A social media-savvy figure, Mamdani has crafted a nerdy-cool image that resonates with younger voters, earning him features in publications like GQ and Interview Magazine. Last month, his campaign achieved a significant milestone with over 18,000 citywide donors contributing $8 million, reaching the fundraising limit set by the city.
The “Hot Girls 4 Zohran” campaign is managed by Cait, 24, and Kaif, 28, two friends from Brooklyn who prefer to keep their last names private for security reasons. Both express skepticism toward institutional politicians and aim to amplify Mamdani’s message of affordability for the working class. Cait emphasizes the empowering and inclusive nature of their campaign, suggesting that the term “hot girls” transcends gender and represents a mindset. The initiative encourages community involvement, with T-shirts serving as a tool to spread awareness beyond social media.
The origin of “hot girls” in politics traces back to Danaka Katovich, who in 2020, created a group chat for “hot girl” Bernie Sanders supporters, which quickly gained traction. Although initially perceived as a lighthearted joke, the movement was inclusive, welcoming non-binary individuals and focusing on policy-driven advocacy.
Despite Andrew Cuomo’s strong lead in the Democratic primary according to a recent poll, Mamdani’s focus on mobilizing working-class voters offers a lesson for the Democratic Party. Experts argue that Democrats should prioritize galvanizing those disillusioned by corruption and wealth pandering, rather than appealing to a mythical political center.
While the Democratic National Convention may not formally recognize a “hot girl” delegation, advocates assert that the movement’s emphasis on policies is what lends it significance. Hadiya Afzal, a former DePaul University student involved in the Sanders movement, highlights that a genuine policy platform is what gives these campaigns their substance.
At “Hot Girls 4 Zohran,” Cait and Kaif hope the T-shirts will spark conversations and mobilize voters across demographics. They aim to support Mamdani’s ambitious goal of creating the largest volunteer force in a New York mayoral race, with plans for 10,000 door knockers.
Volunteer Joshua Leirer, based in Ridgewood, Queens, recounts the enthusiasm and camaraderie among campaign volunteers, describing their style as “Brooklyn hot.” As Mamdani’s campaign gains momentum, this grassroots movement continues to capture the attention and participation of a diverse array of supporters.