New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani’s summer “#Zcavenger Hunt” drew thousands of New Yorkers into the streets on Sunday, following clues tied to the city’s mayoral history.
The scavenger hunt was announced in a video Mamdani posted on X on Saturday, mocking the scandal surrounding Mayor Eric Adams’ former aide Winnie Greco. Last week, nonprofit newsroom THE CITY reported that Greco gave one of its reporters, Katie Honan, a potato chip bag containing a red envelope with more than $100 in cash after an Adams reelection campaign event in Harlem. THE CITY alerted the Department of Investigation, and an investigator retrieved the bag soon after.
Many of Mamdani’s Chinese supporters who turned up for the event said it was a refreshing and clever campaign stunt. They condemned Greco for framing the act of handing a reporter a potato chip bag containing a red envelope with cash as “Chinese culture.”
According to THE CITY, Greco has since told them she “made a mistake.” Her lawyer defended her actions, saying, “In the Chinese culture, money is often given to others in a gesture of friendship and gratitude.”
Frontrunner Mamdani leaned into the controversy in his video, holding up a family-sized Herr’s Sour Cream and Onion bag—the same brand and flavor Greco allegedly had used. “Hello, my friends, I have to come clean, I have something to hide […]” Mamdani said with a smile, before inviting New Yorkers to explore city locations by public transit. “At the final stop, you will find a special surprise—not a wad of cash.”
Less than 24 hours later, by 2:15 p.m. Sunday, hundreds had gathered in Union Square to collect scavenger hunt cards and start their journey. Lines stretched around the park, with many young Chinese supporters eager to join.
“I think it’s funny, and it’s kind of smart,” said John Eng of Brooklyn. “They’re trying to mock Adams about something that happened, and then also refer to the scavenger hunt that he’s doing […] It just turned out to make sense. It just attracts people.”
Robert L., a Chinese supporter from Long Island City, called the event “very relatable to the common person” and said it fit Mamdani’s image as a people-focused candidate. “That [current] administration seems to be viewing themselves as a higher level or on a pedestal, while Mamdani is definitely trying to be a representative of people. So I think it’s a cool idea,” said L., who asked to be quoted only by his first name and last initial.
Another supporter, P.L., who requested to be quoted by his initials, said the event showed how humor and satire can help bring politics to a wider audience. “That’s why we have people like Stephen Colbert and John Oliver. You make fun and it’s satirical. You make fun of political events, and people can kind of pick up on what’s happening.”
Not everyone at Union Square was aware of the “chip bag” controversy. But those who were said they rejected the idea that Greco’s actions reflect Chinese culture.
“What Winnie Greco did is insulting to even Asian Americans,” said P.L. “She gave money in a chip bag. That’s not part of our culture.” He added that corruption by one individual “doesn’t apply to every Chinese American or Asian American.”
Others echoed the sentiment. “It’s just corruption,” said Alex Chau. “There should not be any sort of hidden agendas or exchanging of money between politicians. People should be working for people, not for money.”
Some attendees noted they weren’t worried the incident would distort broader public perceptions of Chinese culture. “I thought it was funny at first when I heard it, because my family and I use red envelopes a lot […] I don’t think I’m too afraid of it [affecting the community],” said Brandon Zhao. He added, “It’s not really the red envelope that makes it a bribe. It’s more like hiding it in a potato chip bag that makes it a bribe.”
Still, a few participants said they understood why some in their community might be concerned, given the rise in xenophobia and anti-Asian hate since the pandemic.
Michelle G., from Brooklyn, said she hadn’t thought much about how the scandal might impact Chinese traditions. “But it’s a fair thing to think about, especially in the context of xenophobia […] Things can be taken out of context.”
“It’s definitely unfortunate,” said Robert L. “Obviously, we can’t control everyone’s actions […] In the past five years, there’s been growing racism against Asians, against Chinese people and I hope that people can be mindful that it’s one person or a small group of people. It’s not representative of our community.”
“It sucks to see this representation of our culture being used this way,” Robert L. added. “But I think there is a true meaning behind it, so I hope that there isn’t stigma, at least among the Chinese community. It’s not gonna stop me from giving red envelopes to my family.”
In his follow-up video thanking New Yorkers for showing up, Mamdani made sure to still hold up a bag of chips.
