Zohran Mamdani Poised to Make History as NYC’s First Muslim Mayor

In a political upset shaking the foundations of New York City’s Democratic establishment, 33-year-old State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani is set to become the Democratic nominee for mayor, after leading the city’s ranked-choice primary with 44% of votes counted from 93% of precincts. The result, which significantly outpaced former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 36%, signals a shift in voter sentiment and a growing appetite for progressive leadership.

Mamdani, a democratic socialist who grew up in Kampala, Uganda, is the son of academic Mahmood Mamdani and Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair. He ran on a platform of affordable housing, free public buses, and higher taxes on corporations and the ultra-wealthy. His campaign leaned heavily on grassroots organizing and support from young and first-time voters, propelled by viral social media content and a clear anti-establishment message.

Although the primary won’t be certified until July 1, after ranked-choice votes are fully tabulated, Cuomo conceded Tuesday night. Mamdani declared victory shortly after midnight at a celebration in Long Island City, promising to be “the mayor for every New Yorker.”

If elected in November, Mamdani would make history as the city’s first Muslim mayor and its youngest in more than a century. He became a U.S. citizen in 2018 and entered public service after working as a foreclosure prevention counselor in Queens. He won a State Assembly seat in 2020 by defeating a four-term incumbent and has held the position since.

His ascent was bolstered by endorsements from prominent progressives, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders. He was also backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, the Working Families Party, and various unions and celebrities. Mamdani formed alliances with fellow candidates to counter Cuomo, a strategy that seems to have paid off under the ranked-choice system.

However, Mamdani’s outspoken views on Israel have drawn controversy. A long-time supporter of the BDS movement and critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza, Mamdani faced backlash over remarks defending the slogan “globalize the intifada,” which some Jewish groups view as antisemitic. He has vehemently rejected accusations of antisemitism and spoke emotionally about the Islamophobic abuse he has endured.

Looking ahead to the general election in November, Mamdani will face Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa and current Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent. With Democrats outnumbering Republicans eight to one in New York City, Mamdani enters the race as the favorite, but not without challenges.

As NYU politics professor Patrick Egan notes, the real test will come after the election: “If Mamdani ends up being mayor, can he turn these big, bold, and arguably expensive policies into real results for everyday New Yorkers?”