Zohran Mamdani Stuns NYC Political Scene, Wins Dem Mayoral Primary
India-West News Desk
NEW YORK, NY — In a dramatic shakeup of New York City’s political establishment, State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo on June 23 to win the Democratic nomination for mayor. The upset victory marks a significant moment for the city’s progressive movement and signals a shift in voter sentiment ahead of the November general election.
Mamdani with the high profile endorsements of Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, ran on housing and immigrant rights. He declared victory at a rooftop celebration in Long Island City, where he quoted Nelson Mandela: “It always seems impossible until it is done.”
The 33-year-old candidate, who immigrated from Uganda as a child and is the son of renowned filmmaker Mira Nair, received 43.5% of the vote with 93% of precincts reporting. Cuomo, attempting a political comeback after resigning in 2021 amid scandal, trailed with 36.4%.
“Tonight, we made history,” Mamdani told an energetic crowd. “We proved that grassroots organizing, not political legacy, defines New York’s future.”
Cuomo conceded gracefully, acknowledging Mamdani’s victory. “Tonight was not our night. It was Assemblyman Mamdani’s night. He deserved it. He won.”
Governor Kathy Hochul responded to the result by emphasizing the public’s desire for change: “Voters spoke loud and clear. They want a city that’s more affordable, more livable—and they chose a candidate who reflects that vision.”
Mamdani’s campaign leaned heavily on social media, particularly TikTok, and found strong support among young, first-time, and immigrant voters. His platform includes sweeping proposals on affordable housing, police reform, and climate justice.
Despite his loss in the primary, Cuomo remains in the race under his “Fight and Deliver” independent ballot line, setting up a potentially contentious three-way contest in November with incumbent Mayor Eric Adams expected to run for re-election.
Mamdani, who became a U.S. citizen in 2018, married a Syrian artist earlier this year. His background in film and activism, including work on Nair’s Queen of Katwe, has shaped his approach to politics, unapologetically progressive.
