Zoran Mamdani Wins NYC Democratic Mayoral Primary, Draws Praise from Progressives and Fire from Trump
Muslim progressive of South Asian descent secures major primary victory, advocates for Palestinian rights and socialist policies.
Watan-New York State Assemblyman Zoran Mamdani has won the Democratic primary for the New York City mayoral race, according to preliminary results, defeating ten other contenders in this decisive round.
Mamdani, a Muslim of South Asian descent, is widely known for his outspoken support of Palestinian rights, a stance that has earned him broad backing among progressive voters.
Following the announcement, former U.S. President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack, calling Mamdani a “100% crazy communist” in a post on his Truth Social platform:“It’s finally happened. The Democrats have gone too far. Zoran Mamdani, the 100% crazy communist, has won the primary and is on his way to becoming mayor. We’ve seen radical leftists before, but this is absurd.”
Mamdani’s Victory Shakes NYC Politics as Trump Lashes Out and Cuomo Concedes
Trump continued his personal attack, saying:“He looks terrible, sounds annoying, and isn’t very smart. He has support from AOC and three other clowns. Even our great Palestinian senator Chuck ‘Crybaby’ Schumer is begging him.”
He described Mamdani’s win as a “historic moment in our country”, which analysts interpret as a warning to Republicans about the growing strength of the progressive left within the Democratic Party.
Born in Kampala in 1991 to Indian parents, Mamdani moved to New York at the age of seven and became a U.S. citizen in 2018. He beat top rivals, including former Governor Andrew Cuomo, securing 43.5% of the vote.
A Democratic Socialist, Mamdani campaigned on promises such as free public transportation, rent freeze policies, and higher taxes on the wealthy.
After most ballots were counted, Cuomo conceded defeat and told supporters:“Tonight isn’t our night—it’s Zoran’s. He earned this win.”
In his victory speech, Mamdani said:“New Yorkers have long sought a leader who truly represents them and prioritizes their interests. We’ve been betrayed too many times. After so much disappointment, the heart hardens and faith fades.”
Final results are expected by early July, pending the count of early and absentee ballots.
The Republican Party did not hold a primary, having nominated Curtis Sliwa, a radio host and founder of the Guardian Angels, for the November 4 general election.
A Progressive Muslim Trailblazer
Mamdani currently represents Queens in the New York State Assembly and describes himself as a progressive and a Muslim. He is backed by prominent left-wing figures including Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
He mobilized a large base of young volunteers through social media, focusing on lowering living costs in the city, where a three-bedroom apartment can cost up to $6,000 a month.
U.S. media have spotlighted Mamdani’s political identity and strong solidarity with Palestine since he surged to the top of the Democratic primary.
If elected in November, Mamdani would become the first Muslim and first person of South Asian heritage to serve as mayor of New York City.
From Student Activist to Mayoral Front-runner
Mamdani graduated from Bronx Science High School, studied African Studies at Bowdoin College, and founded the campus chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine. He is fluent in English and Spanish.
His mother, acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, and his father, Columbia University professor Mahmood Mamdani, are also outspoken advocates for justice.
In 2025, Mamdani married Syrian artist Rama Douji, who shares his pro-Palestinian stance, often expressing it through her artwork on Instagram.
Before entering politics, he worked as a housing counselor for low-income families.
Bold Stances on Palestine and Israel
Throughout his career, Mamdani has supported the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. In his senior year of college, he urged his university to cut ties with Israeli institutions, drawing backlash from administrators.
After Israel launched its war on Gaza in October 2023, Mamdani condemned it harshly, saying:“Netanyahu’s declaration of war, cutting electricity to Gaza, and calls for a second Nakba will only cause more violence and suffering.”
In May 2021, he posted on X (formerly Twitter):“The elected officials we pay with our taxes go on trips to Israel instead of representing us.”
He refused to sign a New York State Assembly resolution commemorating Israel’s founding and called for Netanyahu’s arrest under the ICC’s war crimes warrant:“If I were mayor, New York would detain him. This city must act in line with international law.”
Family Ties to the Palestinian Cause
According to The Guardian, Mamdani’s mother refused an invitation to the Haifa Film Festival in Israel in 2013, writing on X:“I won’t visit until the walls fall.”
His wife, Rama Douji, regularly expresses her support for Palestine through illustrations and posts on social media.
