Zohran Mamdani is on course to become New York City’s first Muslim, pro-Palestine mayor after he defeated Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary.
The 33-year-old Muslim Indian and democratic socialist secured 43.5% votes as opposed to Cuomo’s 36.4%.
Throughout his campaign, Mamdani faced considerable criticism from pro-Israel commentators due to his vocal support for Palestinians. He has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza and stated he would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visited New York.
Following his primary win, some right-wing pro-Israel campaigners urged New York’s Jewish community, the largest outside Israel, to leave the city.
Despite this, polls indicated Mamdani held a comfortable second place among Jewish voters.
Mamdani is a self-declared socialist who has promised rent controls and free bus travel.
In a speech to supporters, Mamdani declared, “Tonight, we made history.” He added, “I will be the mayor for every New Yorker—whether you voted for me, for Governor Cuomo, or felt too disillusioned by a long, broken political system to vote at all.”
He stated his intention to use the mayoral office to “reject (President) Donald Trump’s fascism” and govern New York City as a model for the Democratic Party, one that “fight[s] for working people with no apology.”
Mamdani poised to become the next mayor
Mamdani is now positioned to become the city’s next mayor in November when the mayoral election takes place.
Running on a progressive platform, Mamdani campaigned for taxing the ultra-wealthy, free public transit, universal childcare, rent freezes, and municipally-operated grocery stores.
His campaign drew support from prominent progressives, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders.
Cuomo conceded the race after Mamdani’s strong lead was confirmed.
Once the establishment’s top choice, Cuomo resigned in 2021 following multiple sexual harassment allegations.
In a controversial move, he later joined Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s legal defense team amid war crimes investigations at the ICC.
His campaign was fueled by over $25 million in corporate donations and support from figures like Bill Clinton and the real estate lobby.
