New York [US], June 25 (ANI): New York State Assembly member Zohran Mamdani expressed gratitude after securing the Democratic nomination for Mayor of New York City, declaring himself “honoured” and invoking the words of Nelson Mandela in his victory message. “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,” Mamdani wrote on social media platform X.
Zohran Kwame Mamdani, a democratic socialist, emerged as the frontrunner in the Democratic mayoral primary as first-choice votes were tallied. Born in Uganda to Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair and Indo-Ugandan academic Mahmood Mamdani, he is the first South Asian man to serve in the New York State Assembly, the first Ugandan, and only the third Muslim to be elected to the body.
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded defeat, acknowledging Mamdani’s strong campaign. Speaking at his election night party, Cuomo told supporters, “Tonight was not our night, but it was Assemblyman Mamdani’s night.” He commended Mamdani for inspiring young voters and running a “highly impactful campaign,” adding, “Tonight is his night. He deserved it. He won.”
While the primary is still subject to ranked choice tabulations, Cuomo has signaled that he is evaluating options for a possible general election run under a new party banner. “The challenges we face are real, and they deserve real consideration,” Cuomo stated. “I want to give some thought about the best way to help address them, the best way to help the party, but most of all, the best way to help the city.”
At 33, Mamdani stands poised to make history as New York City’s first Muslim mayor. His progressive platform has gained traction in recent weeks, driven by promises to freeze rents, introduce free bus transit, offer universal childcare, and fund these initiatives through higher taxes on the wealthy.
Mamdani’s campaign became a rallying point for an anti-Cuomo movement under the slogan “Don’t rank Cuomo,” opposing the former governor’s political comeback following his 2021 resignation amid sexual harassment allegations. Mamdani secured cross-endorsements from city Comptroller Brad Lander and former DNC Vice Chair Michael Blake.
He has also garnered national progressive support, receiving endorsements from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the New York Working Families Party, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
As the ranked choice voting process unfolds, final results may take over a week, but Mamdani’s strong early showing has positioned him as the clear favorite heading into the general election. (ANI)
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