Zohran Mamdani inches closer to becoming New York City’s first Muslim mayor
Zohran Kwame Mamdani’s victory in the Democratic mayoral primary in NYC has brought him to the brink of history
NEW YORK (MNTV) — Zohran Kwame Mamdani’s victory in the Democratic mayoral primary has brought him to the brink of history: becoming New York City’s first Muslim mayor.
At 33, Mamdani — born in Uganda to Muslim academic Mahmood Mamdani and celebrated Indian filmmaker Mira Nair — defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo in what many are calling a seismic political upset.
A devout Muslim of Indian-Gujarati heritage, Mamdani’s rise is more than symbolic.
His outspoken support for Palestinian rights and commitment to democratic socialism marks a generational shift in American urban politics.
Analysts say his victory signals how Israel’s war on Gaza is transforming global political landscapes — from the streets of Astoria to the halls of power.
The moment has drawn parallels with London, where Sadiq Khan shattered barriers as the city’s first Muslim mayor. Now, Mamdani is poised to do the same across the Atlantic.
But for his grassroots supporters, this is not just about identity — it’s about justice.
“Our communities stood up for transformative leadership — and Zohran Mamdani represents exactly that,” said Shabbir Ahmad of the Muslim Vote Project.
The campaign was powered by an unprecedented coalition of Muslim organisations spanning ethnic and sectarian lines.
Juhaib Choudhury, President of the Muslim Community Forum and the man who first encouraged Mamdani to run, told MNTV:
“This campaign proved that principled leadership, backed by community power, can change the course of New York City.”
Disappointment in Mayor Eric Adams’ silence on Gaza became a rallying cry.
Abdul Aziz Bhuyian, who helped lead the endorsement effort, added:
“This is the first time almost all Muslim PACs came together after direct interviews. We united with humility. That unity, and Zohran’s candidacy, are our real victories. Alhamdulillah.”
Ibrahim Ahmed from the Yankasa Association in the Bronx echoed the sentiment:
“Mamdani’s vision isn’t just about policy. It’s about justice and dignity.”
Mamdani’s family legacy looms large. His father’s book Good Muslim, Bad Muslim redefined post-9/11 discourse. His mother’s films Monsoon Wedding and The Namesake gave South Asian lives a global stage.
Raised in New York since age 7, Mamdani became a U.S. citizen in 2018 and was elected to the New York State Assembly in 2020. He’s been a housing counselor, a rapper, and a voice for the marginalized.
Muslim Americans across the five boroughs rallied behind him.
“Let’s be the generation that breaks barriers,” said Syed Adnan Bukhari of the Muslim Community Forum.
“The fight isn’t over,” added Imam Abdus-Salaam Musa. “We have a general election ahead — and In Shaa Allah, our first Muslim mayor.”
Retired New York Police Department Lt Cmdr. Shamsul Haque mobilized over 400 Bangladeshi voters.
Arman Chowdhry from the Muslim Ummah of North America led 500 phone bankers. Yemeni, Pakistani, West African, and Ghanaian communities also turned out in large numbers.
Tariqur Rahman of ICNA summed it up:
“Challenges lie ahead, but if we stay focused and united, In Shaa Allah, we will win.”
Mamdani, now the presumptive Democratic nominee, faces attacks from far-right figures like Laura Loomer, who falsely claimed he would bring “jihad” to New York — remarks widely condemned as Islamophobic.
Still, Mamdani’s base spans far beyond Muslims. He built a cross-racial coalition in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, with strong backing from progressives like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
AOC, who endorsed him as her first-choice candidate, said:
“Mamdani built the strongest coalition of working-class New Yorkers. He’s ready to lead.”
Mamdani’s track record and policy platform
- Former housing counselor aiding low-income homeowners
- Worked on campaigns for Ali Najmi, Ross Barkan, and Tiffany Cabán
- Elected to the New York State Assembly in 2020
- Member of the Democratic Socialists of America and Muslim Democratic Club of NY
- Served on 9 Assembly committees as of January 2025
- Sponsored 20 bills (3 became law); co-sponsored 238 others
- Never missed a session during his 2025 mayoral run
Key legislative and community wins
- Secured over $100 million in subway improvements
- Launched fare-free bus pilot
- Blocked a polluting power plant
- Supports baby care packages for new parents
- Introduced bill ending tax breaks for NYU and Columbia
- Hunger-striked with taxi drivers for debt relief
- Advocates Social Housing Development Agency and rent freeze
- Supports BDS and sponsored “Not On Our Dime!” anti-settler violence bill
- Arrested in 2023 during pro-Gaza protests
- Refused to support pro-Israel Assembly resolution in 2025
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