Zuhair Mamdani Wins Democratic Primary for NYC Mayor in Historic Victory
First Muslim and South Asian Candidate to Lead the Race, Championing Progressive Policies and Palestinian Solidarity.
Watan-New York State Assembly Member Zuhair Mamdani has won the Democratic primary election for New York City Mayor, according to preliminary results.
Eleven candidates contested the primary, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, whom Mamdani defeated with 43.5% of the vote.
A Muslim of Indian descent born in Uganda, Mamdani is known as a Democratic Socialist. During his campaign, he promised to make public transportation free, freeze rent hikes, and raise taxes on New York’s wealthiest residents.
Cuomo acknowledged his defeat after most of the ballots were counted, saying, “This is not our night, it’s Zuhair’s. He earned it.”
In his victory speech, Mamdani stated:“New Yorkers have long searched for a leader who represents them. We’ve been betrayed time and again. After so many disappointments, hearts grow cold, and hope weakens.”
The final results may take until early July due to outstanding early and mail-in ballots.
Mamdani’s Historic Candidacy Blends Progressive Vision and Pro-Palestinian Advocacy
The Republican Party did not hold a primary, having nominated Curtis Sliwa, founder of the “Guardian Angels,” for the November 4 general election.
Mamdani currently represents Queens in the New York State Assembly. He identifies as a progressive Muslim and enjoys broad support from prominent leftist figures including Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
He mobilized a youth-driven grassroots campaign with strong social media outreach, pledging to combat New York’s rising cost of living.
His Identity and Support for Palestine Draw Media Attention
American media outlets have spotlighted Mamdani’s background and pro-Palestinian stance following his primary win.
If elected, he would become the first Muslim and first South Asian mayor of New York City.
Born in 1991 in Kampala, Uganda, Mamdani moved to NYC at age seven and became a U.S. citizen in 2018. He studied African Studies at Bowdoin College, where he co-founded “Students for Justice in Palestine.”
His mother is filmmaker Mira Nair, and his father is Columbia professor Mahmood Mamdani. In 2025, he married Syrian artist Rama Douji, who frequently expresses her support for Palestine through her art.
Strong Advocacy for Palestine
As a student, Mamdani supported the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement and opposed institutional ties with Israel.
In October 2023, amid Israel’s war on Gaza, he condemned Prime Minister Netanyahu’s actions and called them genocidal:“Cutting off electricity and calling for a new Nakba will only bring more suffering.”
He has:
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Refused to sign a New York Assembly resolution celebrating Israel’s founding
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Called for Netanyahu’s arrest in NYC under the ICC war crimes warrant
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Criticized U.S. politicians who visit Israel instead of representing their voters
His mother publicly refused to attend Israel’s Haifa Film Festival in 2013, stating she won’t visit until “the walls fall.” His wife Rama Douji frequently illustrates her pro-Palestinian stance on Instagram.
