Ugandan-born Zohran Mamdani defeats Cuomo in New York Mayor Democratic nomination
Although Cuomo held a strong early lead, Zohran’s campaign closed the gap through grassroots efforts like community outreach, door-to-door canvassing, and digital engagement with younger voters.
Ugandan-born Zohran Mamdani has won the Democratic nomination for the upcoming New York City mayoral election in the United States.
The announcement came on Wednesday following the release of the final ranked-choice voting results, with Mamdani defeating his main rival, former governor Andrew Cuomo, in a race that had grown increasingly competitive in recent weeks.
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Zohran, 33, currently serves in the New York State Assembly.
His campaign focused on economic reform and expanding public services, with key proposals such as rent freezes, free public bus service, government-funded childcare, and city-run grocery stores. These initiatives aim to tackle the rising cost of living affecting many New Yorkers.
Born in Kampala, Uganda, Zohran moved to New York City as a child. He is the son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and renowned scholar Mahmood Mamdani.
If elected in the general election in November, he would become the first Muslim and first Indian-American to serve as mayor of New York City.
Zohran’s campaign drew backing from prominent national progressive leaders.
US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsed him early, calling him “the strongest to lead the pack,” while Senator Bernie Sanders praised his leadership as “visionary.”
At the beginning of the race, Zohran was viewed as an unlikely winner.
Community outreach
Although Cuomo held a strong early lead, Zohran’s campaign closed the gap through grassroots efforts like community outreach, door-to-door canvassing, and digital engagement with younger voters. This strategy helped Zohran close what he said had been a 40-point gap between him and Cuomo.
“We narrowed a 40-point gap with Cuomo down to single digits despite Republican billionaires spending close to $20 million in attack ads,” he said during a rally.
Food and housing formed the core of Zohran’s campaign message.
In an interview with Bon Appétit, Zohran spoke about the link between food and dignity: “Roti and roses. There is no life without food. Food is non-negotiable.”
Reduce food insecurity
He proposed the creation of a municipal food programme, which would include the operation of public grocery stores. This idea is part of a broader plan to reduce food insecurity across the city.
Some Democrats voiced concerns about Zohran’s limited experience, noting that he has served in the state assembly since 2021 and has passed only three bills.
Before entering politics, he worked as a community organiser and briefly performed as a rapper under the name “Mr Cardamom.”
Critics said he lacked the experience needed for executive leadership, but Zohran responded by saying leadership should be measured by policy commitment and public accountability.
Connected with voters
Despite the criticism, Zohran’s message resonated with voters, with exit polls showing strong support from young people, renters, and public transit users. These groups reported concerns about rent costs, food access, and city services.
The general election is scheduled for November, and he is expected to face a Republican challenger, though the candidate has not yet been officially named.
Zohran’s campaign team says they will continue focusing on affordability, expanding services, and reaching underrepresented communities.
On election night, Zohran addressed supporters, saying: “This is not just a win for me. It’s a win for everyone who believes that New York City can be for the many, not the few.”
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