Zohran Mamdani is making history—and he’s just getting started. The 33-year-old New York State Assemblyman, born in Uganda and raised in New York, is now leading the race to become New York City’s next mayor.
In early vote tallies from the Democratic primary, Mamdani is ahead with 44% of first-choice votes. That puts him ahead of former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who stands at 36%. And while the final result will depend on ranked choice voting, one thing is clear: the city is ready for something new.
In the words of Nelson Mandela: it always seems impossible until it’s done.
My friends, it is done. And you are the ones who did it.
I am honored to be your Democratic nominee for the Mayor of New York City. pic.twitter.com/AgW0Z30xw1
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) June 25, 2025
A Progressive Powerhouse
Mamdani’s campaign is simple but bold. He wants to freeze rents, make buses free, and offer universal childcare. All of this would be paid for by raising taxes on the rich. In a city that’s becoming too expensive for most, his ideas are resonating with young voters, working-class families, and progressives across the board.
He’s also been a symbol of resistance. Many voters who don’t want Cuomo back in power have rallied behind Mamdani. The movement, tagged online as “Don’t Rank Cuomo,” has gained serious steam. Cuomo resigned in 2021 after multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, and his attempt at a political comeback hasn’t been warmly welcomed.
Backed by the Left—and the People
Mamdani isn’t doing this alone. He’s got serious backup. Endorsements from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sen. Bernie Sanders, and New York’s Working Families Party have added fuel to his momentum. He’s also formed smart alliances with other progressive candidates like Brad Lander and Michael Blake, boosting his chances in a crowded field.
Letitia James, New York’s Attorney General, has also asked her supporters to include Mamdani in their ranked-choice ballots. His base is energized, diverse, and ready for a mayor who looks like the future of NYC.
Who Is Zohran Mamdani?
Mamdani is the first South Asian man and the third Muslim ever elected to the New York State Assembly. He’s also the son of award-winning filmmaker Mira Nair. But he’s not riding on fame. He’s built his career from community organizing and housing activism.
Hope is not naive when you have a vision and a movement behind it. Hope is in fact righteous.
This is the dawn of a new era in New York City. And we will win it together. pic.twitter.com/Hj2buYNN8Z
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) June 25, 2025
His politics? Unapologetically socialist. His message? NYC should work for everyone—not just the wealthy few.
What’s Next?
The official results of the ranked choice votes will take days, maybe weeks. But even now, Mamdani’s surge is sending shockwaves through New York politics. Cuomo has already conceded the night, though he hinted at launching his own party to stay in the game.
Whatever happens, Zohran Mamdani has made it clear: the future of New York City won’t be decided by the old guard—it’ll be built by new voices with bold visions.
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