Faith Nyasuguta
Zohran Kwame Mamdani, a 33-year-old Ugandan-born lawmaker and community organizer, is poised to become the next mayor of New York City after securing a surprise lead in the Democratic primary – one of the most high-profile races in U.S. urban politics this year.
In a remarkable upset, Mamdani defeated former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in first-choice votes, claiming 43.5% to Cuomo’s 36.4%, with 96% of ballots counted. Although final results will be determined after New York’s ranked-choice voting tabulations conclude in mid-July, Mamdani is now widely viewed as the presumptive Democratic nominee. Given New York City’s overwhelming Democratic majority, he is the strong favorite heading into the November general election.
Mamdani’s potential victory is historic on many levels. He would become the city’s first Muslim mayor, first South Asian and Ugandan-born mayor, and one of its youngest ever. His success reflects both the changing face of American politics and the growing influence of progressive movements powered by grassroots organizing, youth energy and communities of color.
Born in Kampala, Uganda in 1991, Mamdani moved to the U.S. at age 7 after his family lived briefly in South Africa. He was raised in New York City and is the son of two intellectual and cultural heavyweights – Columbia University professor Mahmood Mamdani and renowned Indian filmmaker Mira Nair. Zohran went on to study Africana Studies at Bowdoin College and later worked as a housing counselor helping families facing foreclosure.
Before politics, Mamdani even dabbled in music, performing as a rapper under the name “Young Cardamom.” But it was his activism and passion for social justice that led him into public service. In 2020, he was elected to the New York State Assembly, representing a diverse working-class district in Queens. He became the first South Asian man and first Ugandan American to serve in that chamber.
Now, his mayoral campaign is being hailed as a blueprint for progressive victory. Running as a democratic socialist, Mamdani built a people-powered movement focused on housing justice, public safety reform, and economic fairness. His platform includes a rent freeze, fare-free buses, a millionaire’s tax, higher corporate taxes, and the creation of city-run grocery stores to combat food deserts.
Mamdani’s progressive credentials drew endorsements from influential figures like U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. He also gained support from fellow Democratic challengers, including New York City Comptroller Brad Lander and former Assembly Member Eric Blake, as well as Attorney General Letitia James. His campaign mobilized over 27,000 volunteers and received donations from more than 20,000 small contributors – making it one of the largest grassroots efforts in New York City history.
In stark contrast, Andrew Cuomo – a three-term former governor once seen as a Democratic heavyweight – ran a centrist campaign appealing to older, more traditional voters. He had long been a divisive figure, especially after resigning in 2021 over sexual harassment allegations, which he denies. Mamdani’s win is now seen as a clear rejection of establishment politics and a signal that New York voters are eager for fresh leadership.
Critics have already begun targeting Mamdani. Right-wing voices, including Donald Trump Jr. and conservative influencers, have launched Islamophobic attacks attempting to discredit his faith and background. Some moderate Democrats have also raised concerns about his leftist stance, fearing it could alienate centrist voters. But Mamdani remains undeterred, stating that his campaign is rooted in dignity, equity and bringing city governance closer to the people it serves.
The New York City Board of Elections is expected to release unofficial results from the ranked-choice voting process on July 1, with official certification expected by July 14. If Mamdani maintains his lead, he will face Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa and independent incumbent Eric Adams in the general election.
For many Africans in the diaspora, Mamdani’s rise is a powerful reminder of what is possible. From the streets of Kampala to the corridors of City Hall, his story is a celebration of African resilience, youth-led change, and the future of urban leadership in the 21st century.
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