New York City —Kampala-born Zohran Kwame Mamdani has won the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City, positioning him to become the first Muslim and Indian American to lead the largest city in the United States.
The 33-year-old Democratic socialist, currently serving in the New York State Assembly, defeated political heavyweight and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who had attempted a comeback four years after resigning amid a sexual harassment scandal.
“Tonight we made history,” Mamdani told a jubilant crowd in Queens. “This victory belongs to every New Yorker who has been told their dreams are too radical, their voices too small, and their future too far away. We are building a city that puts people before profit.”
Mamdani’s victory reflects a growing appetite among Democratic voters for progressive change, especially among younger, more diverse constituencies. His campaign focused on affordability, public services, and what he described as “a moral obligation to challenge injustice at home and abroad.”
Born in Uganda in 1991 to celebrated Indian filmmaker Mira Nair and renowned academic Mahmood Mamdani, Zohran moved to New York City at age seven. Until recently, he was little known beyond activist and housing justice circles. But his meteoric rise, amplified by social media and an energetic ground campaign, galvanised younger voters and progressives frustrated with establishment politics.
“He speaks our language—literally,” said 22-year-old Bronx resident Leila Hassan. “Whether it’s English, Spanish, or Urdu, Zohran’s message cuts through: justice, dignity, and a city for everyone.”
Mamdani’s campaign platform includes free public transit, universal childcare, city-run grocery stores, and rent freezes in subsidised units — all to be funded by new taxes on the wealthy. He also drew international attention for his outspoken support for Palestinian rights, a position that drew fierce criticism from Cuomo and parts of New York’s powerful pro-Israel lobby.
Cuomo, 67, ran a low-energy campaign often described as “joyless,” and accused Mamdani of anti-Semitism — a charge Mamdani repeatedly denied. “I congratulate Zohran on a smart and great campaign,” Cuomo said in a concession speech Tuesday night. “New York Democrats have made their choice.”
Still, Cuomo hinted he may consider staying in the race as an independent. “I said he won the primary election,” Cuomo told The New York Times. “But I’m still reviewing the ranked-choice results before making a final decision about November.”
Mamdani’s win has not only shaken up New York’s political landscape but also drawn national attention as a litmus test for the Democratic Party’s future, especially following its recent losses in federal elections that saw Donald Trump return to the White House.
“This is the biggest upset in modern NYC history,” said Trip Yang, a political strategist. “When Trump is President, New York Democrats want fighters — and Zohran proved he’s ready to lead with conviction.”
Backed by progressive heavyweights including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders, Mamdani’s win is seen as a clear message from the party’s grassroots.
His use of multilingual campaign content — including a viral Urdu video and Bollywood-themed campaign ads — underscored his appeal across diverse communities.
The final count showed Mamdani with a commanding lead, though slightly short of the 50% threshold for an outright win. Nevertheless, Cuomo’s concession effectively crowns Mamdani the Democratic nominee in a city where Democrats dominate the electorate.
With New York City’s mayor controlling a budget larger than many countries, Mamdani’s likely ascension to City Hall sets up a national conversation on the role of democratic socialism in American governance. If elected in November, Zohran Mamdani would not only make history — he’d redefine it.
Profile
Zohran Kwame Mamdani was born on October 18, 1991, in Kampala, Uganda, to renowned scholar Mahmood Mamdani and acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair.
He graduated from Bowdoin College in 2014. A member of the Democratic Party and the Democratic Socialist Caucus, Mamdani currently represents District 36 in the New York State Assembly, based in Queens.
His political rise has been bolstered by high-profile endorsements from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders.
Additional Reporting by BBC