Zohran Mamdani’s Primary Win Signals Political Shift and Muslim Milestone for NYC

In a stunning political upset, Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani has surged past former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary for New York City’s mayoral race, signaling a seismic shift in both the city’s politics and national progressive movements. 

Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist and the first South Asian man elected to the New York State Assembly, emerged as the frontrunner after securing 44% of the vote with 93% of precincts reporting, compared to Cuomo’s 36%. 

“We have won because New Yorkers have stood up for a city they can afford, a city where they can do more than just struggle,” Mamdani told supporters during his campaign watch party in Long Island City. He added, “Tonight, we made history. In the words of Nelson Mandela: 'It always seems impossible until it is done.’” 

Mamdani’s campaign centered on affordability, public services, and social justice. His platform included freezing rents, eliminating bus fares, increasing taxes on the wealthy, and launching city-run grocery stores.

These policies, along with his accessible campaign style, drew strong support from younger voters and working-class communities, especially in Queens neighborhoods like Richmond Hill and Ozone Park. 

Zohran Mamdani upstart built a substantial lead over the more experienced but scandal-scarred former governor

 

Mamdani’s win is seen as a pushback against establishment politics in New York. Despite entering the race with little name recognition and just 1% support in early polls, Mamdani built momentum through social media and a vast volunteer network. 

Nearly 50,000 volunteers knocked on over one million doors. “People were so happy,” said volunteer Batul Hassan. “It’s such a relief to see it’s possible to win against the billionaires and the corporations who spent so much against us.” 

Faith, Palestine, and Political Courage 

If elected in November, Mamdani would be New York City’s first Muslim mayor, a momentous milestone for a city with roughly one million Muslims, who made up 12% of the electorate in 2021. 

He campaigned during Ramadan, addressed voters at mosques, and used his platform to denounce both Islamophobia and antisemitism. 

“There are millions of New Yorkers who have strong feelings about what happens overseas. I am one of them,” he said on election night. “I will not abandon my beliefs or my commitments.” 

Mamdani’s consistent support for Palestinian rights, including calling Israel’s Gaza offensive a genocide, drew significant backlash. Cuomo targeted this repeatedly, suggesting Mamdani’s rhetoric was fueling antisemitism. Despite the pressure, Mamdani did not waver. 

“The fact that he refused to back down from his position on Palestine is huge,” said CUNY sociology professor Heba Gowayed. “It was a movement that not only insisted on this position but was, in a sense, predicated on it.”

Mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo

 

 Beth Miller from Jewish Voice for Peace Action added,  “Cuomo was counting on the idea that Zohran’s support for Palestinian rights would be a liability for him, but what last night showed was that that’s not true. It mobilised young voters. It mobilised a lot of progressive Jewish voters and Muslim voters and many, many others.” 

Resistance from the Establishment 

Cuomo, backed by endorsements from figures like Bill Clinton and funded heavily by a super PAC supported by Michael Bloomberg and billionaire Bill Ackman, failed to overcome Mamdani’s momentum. 

Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, alongside Comptroller Brad Lander, speaks on stage during the campaign

 

Mamdani’s cross-endorsement with City Comptroller Brad Lander, a Jewish candidate also critical of Israel, showcased a new political unity. “We are not going to let anyone divide Muslim New Yorkers and Jewish New Yorkers,” Lander said. 

His success is viewed as a step toward more inclusive representation. “A Muslim son of immigrants might become mayor of NYC,” noted political commentator Wajahat Ali, “because he cross-endorsed and supported a Jewish candidate and Black candidate, and vice versa.” 

With the Democratic nomination likely securing him the path to City Hall in a heavily Democratic city, Mamdani will face current Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa in November’s general election. 

As Mamdani prepares for the next phase, the attention now turns to whether he can turn his ambitious proposals into policy. For many voters, his candidacy offers a new direction—one focused on affordability, equity, and a broader definition of representation.