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The Unlikely Ascent of Zohran Mamdani and the Remaking of New York

Saturday, 08 November 2025 00:09

Summary

The election of Zohran Mamdani as the 111th mayor of New York City represents a significant political shift in America's largest metropolis.4 At 34 years old, the Democratic Socialist from Queens is not only the city's youngest mayor in over a century but also its first Muslim and first South Asian leader.5,8,21 His victory, achieved by defeating established political figures like former Governor Andrew Cuomo, was propelled by a grassroots campaign that focused relentlessly on the city's affordability crisis.4,5 Mamdani's platform, which includes proposals for rent freezes, free city buses, and a significant increase in the minimum wage, has energised a coalition of young and progressive voters.5,13 However, his ascent has also generated considerable controversy and drawn sharp reactions from across the globe.18 In Israel, politicians have voiced strong condemnation, citing his anti-Zionist stance and support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.10,24,33 Conversely, his win has been celebrated by left-leaning figures internationally as a beacon of hope for progressive politics.16 Mamdani's unique political identity, shaped by his multicultural heritage and activist background, positions his mayoralty as a crucial test for the future of urban progressive governance in the United States and a focal point for international debate.

A Global Upbringing

Zohran Kwame Mamdani was born on 18 October 1991, in Kampala, Uganda.3 His parents are the acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and the academic Mahmood Mamdani, both of Indian descent.3,7 His father, a professor of government and anthropology at Columbia University, and his mother, an Oscar-nominated director, instilled in him an early awareness of social justice issues.32 Mamdani has spoken of a childhood that involved attending rallies and protests with his parents.32 The family's heritage connects them to India, with his father being a Gujarati Shia Muslim and his mother a Punjabi Hindu.3 Before settling in New York City at the age of seven, Mamdani also lived for a period in Cape Town, South Africa.3,13 This multicultural upbringing across three continents—Africa, Asia, and North America—has profoundly shaped his worldview.31 He attended the prestigious Bronx High School of Science, a public school, where he co-founded the school's first cricket team.6,12 He later earned a bachelor's degree in Africana studies from Bowdoin College in Maine in 2014.3,11 It was during his college years that his political activism began to take a more defined shape; he co-founded a chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine and organised a boycott of Israeli academic and cultural institutions.7,11 After graduating, he worked as a foreclosure prevention housing counsellor in Queens, a role he states directly inspired his entry into politics by exposing him to the city's housing crisis.6,12 He became a naturalised US citizen in 2018.3,4

The Path to City Hall

Mamdani's political career began in earnest not as a candidate, but as an organiser and campaign manager for other local progressive candidates.3 In 2020, he launched his own campaign for the New York State Assembly, representing the 36th district which covers parts of Queens, including Astoria.3 Running as a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), he defeated a five-term incumbent in the Democratic primary.3 In the Assembly, he became the first South Asian man and one of only three Muslims to serve in the body.6,12 He was re-elected without opposition in 2022 and 2024.3 His tenure was marked by activism, including participating in a hunger strike with taxi drivers to secure debt relief.15 When he announced his candidacy for mayor in October 2024, he was considered a long shot, a relatively unknown state lawmaker facing the formidable political figure of former Governor Andrew Cuomo.5,7,13 However, his campaign quickly gained momentum.5 Utilising a savvy social media strategy that often incorporated references to his Indian heritage and Bollywood, his message resonated with a diverse electorate, particularly young people and communities of colour.12,13,38 His campaign videos went viral, including one where he took a polar plunge at Coney Island to dramatise his plan to "freeze" rents.13 The campaign's central theme was affordability, directly addressing the rising cost of living that defines daily life for many New Yorkers.4,5

An Upset Victory

On 4 November 2025, Zohran Mamdani was elected the 111th mayor of New York City.4,5 He secured 50.4% of the vote, defeating Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent after losing the Democratic primary, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.3,5 The election saw a high voter turnout, surpassing two million for the first time in a mayoral race since 1969.9,14 His victory was a stunning upset, capping a meteoric rise from a little-known state assemblyman to the leader of America's largest city.9,12,13 In his victory speech, Mamdani declared that New York had "stepped out from the old into the new" and promised to deliver "the most aggressive affordability agenda since Fiorello La Guardia".9,14 He also quoted former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's "Tryst with Destiny" speech.19,20 The celebration took a unique cultural turn when, at the conclusion of his speech, the popular Bollywood song "Dhoom Machale" played, a nod to his heritage and his mother's career in film.19,21,25 The moment was widely shared on social media, seen as a symbol of his campaign's fusion of cultural identity and political messaging.19,25 The election drew the attention of President Donald Trump, who had endorsed Cuomo and threatened to withhold federal funding from the city if Mamdani were elected.4,34

A Democratic Socialist Agenda

Mamdani's platform is rooted in the principles of democratic socialism and his affiliation with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).3,27 The core of his agenda is to address economic inequality and the high cost of living in New York City.26,30 Key proposals include freezing rents for tenants in rent-stabilised apartments, a policy that would require cooperation from the city's Rent Guidelines Board, to which he can appoint members.5,26,29 He has also pledged to build 200,000 new affordable housing units.3 To tackle transportation costs, his platform includes making city buses fare-free.5,13 Another ambitious proposal is the creation of city-owned grocery stores, one in each borough, to combat high food prices.3,13 He advocates for universal public childcare and a significant increase in the city's minimum wage to $30 per hour by 2030, which would require action from the state legislature in Albany.3,5,26 These programmes would be funded, according to his platform, by increasing taxes on corporations and individuals earning over $1 million annually.3,13 Mamdani has also outlined a detailed plan to support the LGBTQ community, including creating a dedicated Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs and investing in transgender healthcare.22 While a member of the DSA, he has stated that he is running on his own distinct platform and has moderated some earlier rhetoric, particularly around policing.13

A Polarised Global Reaction

The election of a self-described democratic socialist and anti-Zionist to lead New York City has triggered strong and varied reactions globally.16,18,24 In Israel, the response from politicians has been overwhelmingly negative and sharp.10 National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir described Mamdani's win as a moment when "antisemitism triumphed over common sense" and labelled him a "supporter of Hamas".10,23 Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli accused New York of handing its keys to a "Hamas supporter" and urged the city's Jewish residents to move to Israel.16,23 Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel expressed deep concern over Mamdani's "history of anti-Israel and anti-Jewish rhetoric".10,24 These reactions stem from Mamdani's long-standing pro-Palestinian activism, his co-founding of a Students for Justice in Palestine chapter in college, and his support for the BDS movement.7,33 In contrast, Mamdani's victory was celebrated by left-wing politicians and activists around the world.16 London's Mayor, Sadiq Khan, who is also Muslim, congratulated Mamdani, stating that "hope won" over fear.18 The liberal mayor of Budapest, Gergely Karacsony, praised Mamdani for standing up to political elites.16 In Mamdani's birthplace of Uganda, there was a sense of pride in his achievement.18 The election has been framed internationally as a significant victory for the progressive left at a time of rising right-wing populism.16

Conclusion

Zohran Mamdani's assumption of the New York City mayoralty on 1 January 2026, will mark the beginning of a new political chapter for the city.3,21 His victory represents a generational and ideological shift, challenging the established norms of New York politics.14 The success of his ambitious and costly social programmes hinges on navigating the complex realities of municipal governance, state-level politics, and a potential lack of cooperation from the federal administration under President Trump.26,36 His leadership will be closely watched not only by New Yorkers but by a global audience.12 For his supporters, he embodies a hopeful future where cities can prioritise the needs of working people over corporate interests.9,30 For his detractors, both at home and abroad, his mayoralty represents a concerning turn towards radicalism and a potential threat to established economic and foreign policy norms.10,30,37 The son of immigrants who became a grassroots organiser and then the leader of one of the world's most influential cities, Mamdani's tenure will undoubtedly be a defining test case for the viability of democratic socialism in American urban life and a focal point in the ongoing global conversation about identity, justice, and power.

References

  1. Current time information in New York, NY, US

    This source was used to establish the current time for context, although not directly cited in the article text.

  2. Current time information in באר שבע, IL

    This source was used to establish the current time for context, although not directly cited in the article text.

  3. Zohran Mamdani - Wikipedia

    Provides comprehensive biographical details including birth date, place, parents' names, education, political affiliations (Democratic Party, DSA), career history, and key dates of his political career, including his election to the State Assembly and as Mayor.

  4. Zohran Mamdani wins NYC mayoral election after energizing young voters with focus on affordability - CBS News

    Confirms Mamdani's victory as the 111th mayor, his age (34), his focus on affordability, and the fact that he defeated Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa. It also notes his background and the attention from President Trump.

  5. Zohran Mamdani elected mayor of New York on winning night for Democrats - The Guardian

    Details the election results, confirming Mamdani as the 111th mayor and the first Muslim mayor. It outlines his key platform points like rent freezes, affordable housing, and a $30 minimum wage, and notes his rise from a relatively unknown lawmaker.

  6. Zohran K. Mamdani - Assembly District 36 - New York State Assembly

    Official biography confirming his upbringing in Uganda and New York, his education at Bronx High School of Science, his prior work as a housing counsellor, and his status as the first South Asian man in the NYS Assembly.

  7. Zohran Mamdani | New York City Mayor, Democratic Socialism, Position on Palestine, Biography, & Parents | Britannica

    Provides biographical information, including his birth in Uganda, his parents' identities, his education, and his early political activism at Bowdoin College, specifically founding a Students for Justice in Palestine chapter.

  8. New York City mayoral election results 2025 - The Washington Post

    Reports on the election outcome, confirming Mamdani's win and noting he will be the city's first Muslim mayor and the youngest in a century.

  9. Zohran Mamdani claims victory in NYC mayor's race, promises 'relentless improvement'

    Covers his victory speech, his promise of an aggressive affordability agenda, and the historic voter turnout, which surpassed 2 million for the first time since 1969.

  10. Israeli politicians decry Zohran Mamdani win | The Jerusalem Post

    Details the strong negative reactions from Israeli politicians, including quotes from Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who called Mamdani a 'hater of Israel'.

  11. Zohran Mamdani's educational background: Where did NYC mayor-elect go to college?

    Confirms his education at Bronx High School of Science and Bowdoin College, where he earned a degree in African Studies. It also mentions his founding of the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter.

  12. Who is Zohran Mamdani, New York's Democratic socialist new mayor? - The Guardian

    Provides a profile of Mamdani, detailing his background, his rise from an unknown politician, his work as a housing counsellor, his service in the state assembly, and his effective use of social media during the campaign.

  13. How Zohran Mamdani rose from Queens lawmaker to mayor of New York | PBS News

    Outlines his political rise, his key platform promises (free childcare, free buses, rent freeze), his use of viral campaign videos, his family background, and his moderation of some earlier rhetoric on policing.

  14. Democrat Zohran Mamdani creates history as New York's first Muslim, South Asian Mayor

    Reports on his historic victory, the high voter turnout, and quotes from his victory speech where he declared a 'mandate for change' and the toppling of a 'political dynasty'.

  15. Zohran Mamdani

    Official campaign website which highlights his past actions as an assemblyman, such as the hunger strike with taxi drivers to achieve debt relief.

  16. Mamdani win draws celebration on global left, condemnation in Israel

    Provides a detailed overview of the international reactions to his victory, contrasting the celebrations from left-wing politicians in Europe with the condemnation from Israeli officials.

  17. Zohran Mamdani - Ballotpedia

    Provides factual data on his political career, including his party affiliations, election dates, and offices held. Used for cross-verification of career timeline.

  18. Mamdani's election as New York City mayor draws global reactions ranging from celebrations and pride to anger - CBS News

    Details the wide range of global reactions, including pride in his birthplace of Uganda and a message of solidarity from London Mayor Sadiq Khan, alongside the anger from Israeli officials.

  19. Bollywood meets Big Apple: Zohran Mamdani ends mayoral victory speech with 'Dhoom Machale' - The Economic Times

    Specifically details the use of the Bollywood song 'Dhoom Machale' at the end of his victory speech and his quotation of Jawaharlal Nehru, highlighting the cultural elements of his victory celebration.

  20. Dhoom Machale: Zohran Mamdani ends powerful NYC mayor victory speech with famous Bollywood track — Watch - The Times of India

    Corroborates the details of his victory speech, including the reference to Nehru and the playing of 'Dhoom Machale', and notes the positive reaction from the crowd.

  21. Watch: A Bollywood touch in Zohran Mamdani's victory speech ft Dhoom Machale

    Confirms his historic status as the first Muslim, first South Asian, and youngest mayor in over a century, and details the Bollywood song played at his victory celebration.

  22. Learn NYC Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani's LGBTQ Platform Following Historic Win - GLAAD

    Provides specific details on Mamdani's policy platform concerning the LGBTQ community, including planned investments in transgender healthcare and the creation of an Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs.

  23. Israel Criticizes Zohran Mamdani's Election Victory in New York - Tempo.co English

    Reports on the condemnation from Israeli officials, including Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who accused Mamdani of being a Hamas supporter.

  24. Israeli politicians fear implications of 'anti-Zionist' Zohran Mamdani win - Daily Express US

    Highlights Mamdani's self-identification as an 'anti-Zionist' and provides quotes from Israeli politicians expressing concern over his election, framing it as a potential issue for the city's Jewish community.

  25. 'Is that Dhoom Machale?': Zohran Mamdani delivers rousing victory speech as popular Bollywood song plays in background - The Times of India

    Focuses on the cultural significance of using the Bollywood song 'Dhoom Machale' in his victory speech, describing it as a statement and an homage to his roots.

  26. Can Mamdani Fulfill His Ambitious Campaign Promises? - Time Magazine

    Analyzes the feasibility of Mamdani's key platform promises, such as freezing rents and raising the minimum wage, explaining the political and legal hurdles he would face as mayor.

  27. Democratic Socialists of America - Wikipedia

    Provides background on the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), confirming it is a political organization, not a party, and lists Mamdani as a notable elected official associated with the group.

  28. Nehru mentioned, Mira Nair thanked, Dhoom song played: Key moments from Zohran Mamdani's victory speech | Hindustan Times

    Summarizes key moments from the victory speech, including the Nehru quote and a direct quote where Mamdani refuses to apologize for his age, identity, or ideology.

  29. Platform | Zohran for NYC

    Official campaign platform website, used to verify specific policy proposals such as freezing rent, building affordable housing, and raising the minimum wage to $30 by 2030.

  30. Here's what Mamdani's NYC mayoral win, and the rise of a democratic socialist, could mean for Democrats nationwide - CBS News

    Discusses the national implications of Mamdani's win for the Democratic Party, outlining his core economic platform and quoting a DSA co-chair on the popularity of democratic socialist ideas.

  31. How is Zohran Mamdani connected to India? All about New York City's first South Asian mayor - The Economic Times

    Explains his Indian heritage through his parents, his birth in Uganda, and his multicultural identity. It also details his political history and his Shia Muslim faith.

  32. All About Zohran Mamdani's Parents, Dad Mahmood Mamdani and Mom Mira Nair

    Provides detailed background on his parents, Mahmood Mamdani and Mira Nair, their professions, and their influence on his political development, including his attendance at rallies as a child.

  33. Democratic Socialists of America: Who They Are and Their Stance on Israel | AJC

    Explains the DSA's anti-Zionist platform and links Mamdani's views to the organization, noting his support for BDS and his early pro-Palestinian activism in college.

  34. Donald Trump calls Zohran Mamdani's victory speech 'very angry,' says NYC mayor-elect is off to a 'bad start' - The Times of India

    Reports on President Trump's reaction to Mamdani's victory, including his threat to withhold federal funding and his labeling of the mayor-elect as a 'communist'.

  35. Readers on Zohran Mamdani's victory: 'It was a collective exhale' - The Guardian

    Provides anecdotal evidence of the varied reactions to his win from the public, both positive and negative, in the US and overseas.

  36. Independent Thinking: Mamdani won in New York. For Trump, was it a setback or backlash?

    Analyzes the political significance of the election, noting the opposition Mamdani faces from President Trump regarding federal funds.

  37. 'Antisemitism Has Been Popularized': Ex-Envoy Michael Oren Says Mamdani Win Resets Israel–NYC Ties - The Media Line

    Provides further details on the Israeli reaction and the concerns of some Jewish community leaders in New York regarding Mamdani's stance on Israel.

  38. 'Dhoom Machale': How Zohran Mamdani's cultural political strategy powered the big win

    Analyzes the campaign's successful use of Indian pop culture, particularly Bollywood references, as a central communication tool to connect with voters.

  39. How Zohran Mamdani sees India beyond 'Dhoom Machale': Flaunts desi heritage, with a 'vision' caveat on PM Modi - Hindustan Times

    Provides context on Mamdani's multicultural campaign approach and his specific political disagreements with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

  40. Zohran Mamdani's Indian roots — from Mira Nair's Mumbai legacy to his family's journey from Jharkhand to New York - Times of India

    Details the family's Indian heritage and how those values have influenced Mamdani's political journey and worldview.