Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic Socialist and Muslim of Indian descent, has secured a stunning victory in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary held on June 24. Defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Mamdani is now the Democratic nominee for mayor bringing him one step closer to becoming the first Muslim and Indian-origin mayor in the city’s history.

Despite polls heavily favoring Cuomo, Mamdani’s grassroots campaign powered by 22,000 volunteers and endorsements from progressive icons Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez delivered a decisive blow to the political establishment. He garnered 43.5% (432,000 votes) in the ranked-choice primary, ahead of Cuomo’s 36.4% (361,800 votes). As no candidate reached the 50% threshold, redistributed votes from lower-ranking candidates like Comptroller Brad Lander (11.3%) further boosted Mamdani’s total.

Reacting to his victory, Mamdani quoted Nelson Mandela on social media, stating: “It always seems impossible until it’s done. My friends, it is done. And you did it.”

Who Is Zohran Mamdani?

Zohran Mamdani represents Astoria, Queens, in the New York State Assembly. He is the son of renowned Ugandan academic Mahmood Mamdani and Indian-born filmmaker Mira Nair. A former housing counselor, Mamdani has been recognized for his passionate advocacy for working-class communities.

He married Syrian-American artist and animator Rama Duwaji earlier this year. She holds a master’s in illustration from the School of Visual Arts in New York, and her work has been featured in The New Yorker, BBC, and The Washington Post. She was born in Texas and is of Syrian ethnicity.

Mamdani’s Progressive Platform

Mamdani’s campaign centered on bold and transformative policies for the people of New York City, including:

  • Free citywide bus service by 2027
  • Citywide rent freeze and Social Housing Development Agency
  • Municipal-run grocery stores to tackle food insecurity
  • Expanded free school meals and universal childcare
  • Raising corporate tax to 11.5% and a 2% wealth surcharge on millionaires
  • Creating a Department of Community Safety to replace certain police functions

Stance on Gaza and Foreign Policy

Zohran Mamdani has been outspoken on the issue of Gaza. In October 2024, he labeled Israel’s actions as “genocide” and declared support for the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) movement. He further stated that, as mayor, he would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he entered New York, reflecting his commitment to aligning the city’s values with international human rights law.

While Mamdani emphasized his opposition to anti-Semitism, he received criticism from Cuomo’s campaign for his strong pro-Palestine positions particularly in a city with a large Jewish population. Nevertheless, Mamdani has defended slogans like “Globalize the Intifada” as symbolic acts of solidarity, not violence.

The Road to November

Zohran Mamdani will face Republican Curtis Sliwa in the general election on November 4. Given New York City’s strong Democratic majority—outnumbering Republicans by 6 to 1 Mamdani is heavily favored to win.

If victorious, he will not only break ground as the first Muslim and Indian-origin mayor of New York City but also represent a significant generational and ideological shift in the city’s political landscape.