In a surprising turn of events, Cambridge has elected its youngest councilor ever. At just 24 years old, Al-Zubi has made history, breaking records set by her predecessor, Burhan Azeem. She is now the youngest person to hold this office, beating Azeem by a narrow margin of eight months.

Al-Zubi's journey to victory was not an easy one. She first ran for city council in 2023 at the age of 21, just a year after graduating from Harvard. Although she did not win then, she gained valuable experience and support from the Democratic Socialists of America, a group she joined during her initial campaign.

This time around, Al-Zubi's campaign was met with overwhelming support. She was one of only three candidates elected in the first round of Cambridge's ranked-choice voting system, a feat achieved by only two other candidates, both of whom were established council veterans. Her victory came on the same night as Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old DSA-aligned candidate, was elected mayor of New York City. Al-Zubi cited Mamdani's campaign as an inspiration for her own.

Al-Zubi's win is significant not only because of her age but also because of her stance on the city's housing crisis. Unlike other candidates who were either for or against a recent move to allow six-story residential buildings, Al-Zubi proposed a "third lane. " She advocates for investing in social housing, which would be owned by the city and rented at below-market rates. This approach, she believes, would prioritize non-profit development and help alleviate the housing crisis.

City Councilor Marc McGovern, who was the top vote-getter in the race, praised Al-Zubi's campaign. He noted that she had improved her messaging since her previous run and had successfully galvanized both older and younger voters. McGovern's comments highlight the effectiveness of Al-Zubi's campaign strategy.

Cambridge has a history of electing young candidates. In 1974, Glenn Koocher, a Harvard alum like Al-Zubi, was elected to the Cambridge School Committee at the age of 23. Koocher, who still holds the record for being the youngest person to hold that office, served on the committee for 12 years. He now serves as the executive director of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees. When asked about his advice for Al-Zubi, Koocher emphasized the importance of being treated with respect and not being dismissed due to her age or lack of experience.

Al-Zubi's election is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of having a clear vision. Her victory is not just a personal achievement but also a reflection of the changing political landscape in Cambridge. It shows that the city is open to new ideas and willing to give young candidates a chance to make a difference.

CAMBRIDGE ELECTION

Youngest Ever: Cambridge Elects a New Voice

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