January 3, 2026 New York City’s political landscape just underwent a seismic shift, and the dust hasn't even settled.

With Zohran Mamdani officially inaugurated as Mayor of New York City this past Thursday, his former home base in Queens is now up for grabs. Governor Kathy Hochul has officially pulled the trigger, declaring a Special Election for February 3 to fill the void left by Mamdani and a string of other high-ranking officials who have climbed the political ladder.

If you thought the general election was the end of the drama, think again. Here is why February 3 is the most important day on the 2026 calendar so far.

The Battle for the "Socialist Stronghold" (Assembly District 36)

Western Queens—Astoria and Long Island City—is the crown jewel of the city’s progressive movement. Since Mamdani unseated the establishment in 2020, this district has been the heart of democratic socialism in New York.

Now, the fight to succeed him is becoming a family affair. Mamdani has already thrown his weight behind Diana Moreno, a close ally and DSA-backed candidate. Moreno is framing the race as a "fight against the rising tide of fascism," but she isn’t walking into the seat uncontested.

The race is already crowded with progressive heavyweights, including:

• Rana Abdelhamid: A well-known organizer with deep roots in the community.

• Mary Jobaida: Another progressive powerhouse with a dedicated following.

• Shivani Dhir: The Assistant Dean at NYU Tandon, bringing an academic and engineering perspective to the field.

Manhattan’s Game of Musical Chairs

The political shifting isn't limited to Queens. On the same day, Manhattan voters will be heading to the polls to fill the massive shoes of Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who has moved on to become Manhattan Borough President.

The race for State Senate District 47 is already heating up:

• Erik Bottcher has pivoted from a congressional bid to eye this Senate seat.

• Linda Rosenthal, a staple of the Assembly, is rumored to be the "favorite" if she decides to jump into the ring.

The "Backroom" Reality of Special Elections

Here is the catch: because these are Special Elections, the rules are different. There are no public primaries. Instead, party insiders and county committees hold the keys, choosing the nominees behind closed doors.

We’re already seeing this play out in the 74th Assembly District (vacated by Harvey Epstein). Keith Powers has already secured the Democratic nomination after a closed-door internal process, effectively making him the man to beat.

Why You Should Care

Special elections are notorious for low voter turnout, which means your vote carries ten times the weight it does in November. These seats represent the front lines of housing policy, transit funding, and the city’s response to the new federal administration.

The "Mamdani Era" in the Assembly is over, but the fight for the soul of Queens is just beginning.