New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a self-described socialist, is drawing crowds with lofty promises, but a former supporter of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sees through the glossy rhetoric. Lucy Biggers, once captivated by similar ideals, now calls his proposals pure "fantasy."

According to Fox News, Biggers, a former climate activist and senior producer at the left-leaning NowThis, penned a sharp op-ed in The Free Press dissecting Mamdani's appeal. She notes his charisma and social media prowess have rallied over 50,000 volunteers, echoing the magnetic pull of Ocasio-Cortez nearly a decade ago.

Back then, Biggers interviewed Ocasio-Cortez and was swept up by her passion, describing her as warm, relatable, and authentic on screen. Yet, years later, she views Mamdani’s parallel charm with skepticism, questioning the substance behind his promises of free bus rides, childcare, and government-run grocery stores.

Unpacking the Charisma of Socialist Promises

Biggers admits Mamdani’s allure is undeniable, much like Ocasio-Cortez’s was during her rise against establishment figures. She recalls being mesmerized by AOC’s ability to paint her opponent as a real-estate sellout while positioning herself as a movement leader.

Now, seeing Mamdani push similar themes of taxing the rich to fund sweeping social programs, Biggers finds the playbook familiar but flawed. His ideas, while emotionally stirring, seem detached from the gritty realities of governance and economics.

She once bought into this vision herself, producing videos that amplified Ocasio-Cortez’s message to millions. But time and experience have shifted her lens, leaving her wary of leaders who promise utopia without a clear roadmap.

From Idealism to Practical Concerns

At 35, now a mother of two and a homeowner, Biggers says her priorities have evolved beyond youthful idealism. Her once-fervent belief in expansive government solutions has been tempered by life’s practical demands.

She critiques Mamdani’s proposals, like government-run grocery stores, with a sharp jab, asking readers to consider their last DMV visit as a preview of such inefficiency. Handing over more money for "free programs" no longer strikes her as a sensible fix.

While she acknowledges that Mamdani and Ocasio-Cortez likely mean well, Biggers insists their solutions miss the mark for today’s young New Yorkers. Their hearts might be in the right place, but the policies risk bloating government power while ignoring who ultimately foots the bill.

The Hidden Cost of 'Free' Everything

Biggers drives home a pointed critique of the socialist narrative Mamdani champions, one that frames capitalism as the root of all woes. She argues that young followers have been misled into believing more government spending is the cure, overlooking the reality that "nothing is free."

Quoting her own words from The Free Press, she warns that these policies "will lead to a more centralized government with more power, higher taxes, and a higher cost of living." That’s not progress; it’s a recipe for burdening the very people these plans claim to help.

Her frustration is palpable when she addresses the naivety or inexperience behind such ideas. Instead of liberating communities, these approaches could shackle them with unsustainable costs and diminished freedoms.

A Call for Grounded Solutions

In reflecting on Mamdani’s campaign, Biggers urges a return to policies rooted in reality over rhetoric. She sees the fervor of his base but doubts their grasp of the economic trade-offs at play.

Neither Mamdani nor Ocasio-Cortez’s representatives offered comment to Fox News Digital on these criticisms. Still, Biggers’ shift from supporter to skeptic stands as a cautionary tale for those swayed by charismatic promises.

Ultimately, her message is clear: good intentions don’t balance budgets or run cities efficiently. New Yorkers, she implies, deserve leaders who prioritize workable ideas over dreamy visions that crumble under scrutiny.