On June 24, New York State Representative Zohran Mamdani emerged victorious in the 2025 New York City Democratic mayoral primary, defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo among other candidates. With the largest voter turnout in New York City history, the result was a major upset with Mamdani receiving 56.4% of the vote. Speaking to his supporters on the night of his victory, he affirmed that “we have won because New Yorkers have stood up for a city they can afford.”
Mamdani was born in Kampala, Uganda and immigrated to the United States when he was seven. He is of Indian descent and a Shia Muslim. Mamdani earned a bachelor’s degree in Africana Studies and had a brief stint in rap before entering the political scene. The 33-year-old has served since 2021 as a member of the New York State Assembly representing the 36th district. In addition, he is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.
Mamdani’s mayoral campaign has received significant media attention and has been the target of both praise and criticism. His unabashedly leftist campaign has included support for fare-free city buses, public child care, city-owned grocery stores, a rent freeze, affordable housing and a $30 minimum wage by 2030. He has also been vocal in his support of tax increases for corporations and the wealthy.
In addition, Mamdani has been critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli government. He received prominent endorsements from Senator Bernie Sanders, Congresswoman Alexander Ocasio-Cortez, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Comptroller Brad Lander.
Mamdani’s unorthodox approach has been successful, yet Democrats have mixed opinions on him and his campaign. Notably, the Washington Post accused Mamdani of antisemitism due to his criticism of the Israeli government. However, according to Vox, he has rejected such claims, claiming that antisemitism is being weaponized as a political talking point and that the source of such accusations instead stems from Islamophobia.
Mamdani’s pro-Palestinian stance may have been controversial, but it garnered him supporters from all ends of the political spectrum, including Jewish voters who shared his sentiments. Political analysts from Time Magazine have drawn a comparison of Mamdani’s campaign to former Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2024 Presidential Campaign. Harris’ attempt to cater to the center was wholly unsuccessful. In contrast, Mamdani has adhered to his principles without compromise, believing that an unwavering stance would attract more genuine support than political hedging. So far, this political strategy seems to be working for him.
Mamdani’s victory is more than just a personal milestone, but also marks a shift in the city’s political climate. The record turnout and decisive margin demonstrate that his message of economic justice, housing reform and challenging corporate influence has resonated with voters tired of the political status quo and environment cultivated by figures such as President Trump and billionaire Elon Musk. For younger New Yorkers and progressives across the city, Mamdani is an outlier from the entrenched establishment.
The New York Post questions whether his ambitious proposals — such as free transit, rent freezes and a $30 minimum wage — are financially feasible. They write that his plans could strain the city’s budget and discourage business investment. Advocates for the policy, however, argue that the current system is already failing working-class residents and that bold measures are the only way to make the city livable again.
As the general election approaches, Mamdani displays no sign of softening his stance or scaling back his agenda. Whether this approach will translate into effective governance is yet to be seen. However, Mamdani has demonstrated that a campaign rooted in principle and conviction cannot only survive but also win.
