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The 33-year-old state assemblyman Zohran Mamdani made history this week by becoming the first Muslim candidate to receive the Democratic nomination for mayor of New York City.
With 95% of the votes counted, Mamdani leads the primaries with 43% compared to the 36% of former Governor Andrew Cuomo, in a race that has shaken the foundations of the New York political establishment.
“This night we made history,” declared the young man, who identifies as Muslim and socialist and is of Ugandan descent, before a crowd of supporters in Queens.
"I will be your Democratic candidate for mayor of New York City," he stated enthusiastically, quoting Nelson Mandela: "It always seems impossible until it is done."
Although the ranked voting system could alter the final results, its advantage and grassroots momentum seem virtually insurmountable for its opponents.
Born in Kampala, Uganda, Mamdani emigrated to New York at the age of seven.
Son of the renowned filmmaker Mira Nair and the academic Mahmood Mamdani, the young politician was raised in an environment of social awareness and cultural diversity.
Educated at the Bronx High School of Science and later at Bowdoin College, where he studied African Studies, he built a career that transitioned from student activism to institutional politics.
Her campaign was marked by inclusive visual language, featuring messages in Urdu, Spanish, and references to popular culture such as Bollywood, reaching out to the diverse sectors that make up the urban fabric of New York.
Additionally, he has focused his campaign on combating the high cost of living in one of the most expensive cities in the world.
His government plan includes proposals such as free bus service throughout the city, universal childcare starting from 6 weeks of age, rent freeze and stricter control over negligent landlords, creation of municipally owned supermarkets with affordable prices and tripling the construction of rent-stabilized housing managed by unions.
These initiatives have been applauded by progressive movements but criticized by analysts and editorials such as The New York Times, which questioned their budgetary viability. Nevertheless, their message has resonated with young voters, immigrant communities, and traditionally marginalized sectors.
Andrew Cuomo, former governor and a dominant figure in state politics for years, acknowledged Mamdani's victory and publicly congratulated him, though not without expressing his concern about the candidate's "lack of experience."
Cuomo -who in 2021 was accused of sexual harassment- was supported by figures like Bill Clinton and business sectors, but he failed to connect with an electorate eager for change.
"He ran a great campaign. He inspired the youth and mobilized them. I applaud him for that," said the former governor.
"But being the mayor of New York requires knowing how to deal with Trump, with Washington, and with Albany," he added.
Mamdani has made his Muslim faith a visible part of his public identity, visiting mosques and openly discussing the personal cost of embracing that representation.
He has reported receiving Islamophobic threats during his campaign and noted that Islamophobia is a reflection of a broken political system.
His critical stance towards Israel has also been a source of controversy, as the young man supports the rights of the Palestinian people, has advocated for legislation to withdraw tax benefits from organizations that fund illegal settlements, and has stated that he does not support “any state that establishes hierarchies of citizenship based on religion.”
These positions have distanced him from the Democratic ruling class, but have strengthened his status as a consistent figure among his supporters.
Beyond the final result, Mamdani's campaign represents a profound transformation of the Democratic electorate.
With thousands of volunteers, small donors, and a message focused on social justice, it has managed to challenge the established powers without relying on traditional mechanisms.
“He understands us. He's one of us,” said Lokmani Rai, a resident of Queens. “He has brought hope to communities that have never before seen themselves reflected in a mayoral candidate,” quoted BBC.
Political scientists claim that Zohran Mamdani is not only running for the mayoralty of New York. He is also competing for the future of the Democratic Party.
Frequently Asked Questions about Zohran Mamdani's Candidacy for Mayor of New York
Who is Zohran Mamdani and what makes him historic in New York politics?
Zohran Mamdani is a Muslim politician of Ugandan descent who has made history by becoming the first Muslim candidate to secure the Democratic nomination for mayor of New York. With an inclusive and progressive campaign, he has garnered support from young voters, immigrant communities, and marginalized sectors.
What are the key proposals of Mamdani's government plan for New York?
Zohran Mamdani's government plan includes several progressive proposals, among them, free bus service, universal childcare starting at 6 weeks of age, a freeze on rents, the creation of municipally-owned supermarkets with affordable prices, and the construction of rent-stabilized housing managed by unions. These proposals aim to address the high cost of living in New York.
Why has Mamdani's plan been criticized for its viability?
Although Zohran Mamdani's proposals have been celebrated by progressive movements, they have been criticized for their budgetary feasibility. Analysts and editorials, such as The New York Times, have questioned how these initiatives would be funded, given the high implementation costs in a city like New York.
How has the political establishment reacted to Mamdani's candidacy?
Zohran Mamdani's candidacy has shaken the foundations of the New York political establishment. His critical stance towards Israel and his visible Muslim identity have distanced him from the Democratic ruling class. However, he has gained support among the progressive base and has inspired young voters and immigrant communities.
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