My friends, it's done: Zohran Mamdani declares win in New York mayoral primary
Tonight, we made history - Zohran Mamdani, son of award-winning Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair - said as he greeted a roaring crowd in New York City after winning the Democratic mayoral primary.The 33-year-old Democratic socialist member of the state assembly emerged victorious after his rival, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, conceded. Mamdani had already begun to pull ahead with approximately over 80 per cent of ballots counted.'Tonight, we made history I will be your democratic nominee for mayor of New York City' - Zohran Mamdani pic.twitter.com/qTnhuGbi63— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) June 25, 2025advertisementMamdani invoked the great Nelson Mandela as he acknowledged his win on X. "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 honoured to be your Democratic nominee for Mayor of New York City," he tweeted.
The 33-year-old entered the Democratic campaign virtually as an unknown. Even so, he was ahead of Cuomo by 43.5 per cent to 36.4 per cent of around 95 per cent of ballot scanners reporting, according to NYC's elections board."Tonight is his night," a dejected Cuomo said, after conceding to Mamdani.advertisementThe former Governor was seeking a political comeback four years after quitting over sexual harassment allegations. Cuomo said he called Mamdani to congratulate him. He has denied the allegations after labelling them as ill-conceived attempts to be humorous or affectionate.Mamdani promised to reject US President Donald Trump's policies and to govern New York City "as a model for the Democratic Party". In his speech, he also highlighted the "vision of every New Yorker" as he acknowledged his win.The final outcome, however, will not be available until next week owing to New York's ranked-choice system that permits citizens to choose up to five candidates in order of preference.MAMDANI'S ENERGY DEFEATS CUOMO'S EXPERIENCEIf elected, Mamdani would be New York City's first Muslim and Indian-American Mayor. Born in Uganda, the 33-year-old's campaign gained traction as he focused on the city's high-cost living, and even received endorsements from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders - two of America's leading progressive personalities.Soon after the news of Mamdani's win broke, Sanders was quick to congratulate the Democrat. "You took on the political, economic and media establishment - and you beat them. Now, it's on to victory in the general election," the US Senator from Vermont tweeted.advertisementMamdani's interviews have been viral on social media, and so were posters of his grinning mug that took over shop windows. The Democrat's vision pitching for free childcare, new flats, and free buses, among others, flooded social media. The vibe was visible among his supporters on Wednesday, who surrounded the 33-year-old with cameras in their hands as he addressed them with the familiar smile.His mammoth lead over other Democratic contenders was seen as an indication the Democrats believe the party should take, following the loss to Republican Trump. The distinction was: the deeply experienced Cuomo or the progressive newcomer Mamdani, who came with a freshness.Mamdani is expected to be the favourite in the November general election in New York City, a stronghold of the Democrats. The current Mayor, Eric Adams, will also appear on the ballot as an independent. The Republican candidate is Curtis Sliwa, a radio host, popularly known as the founder of the Guardian Angels anti-crime patrol, whom Adams defeated in 2021 polls.MAMDANI'S REMARKS ON PM MODI, NETANYAHUKnown for his pro-Palestine stance and activism, he has been vocal regarding his stance on Israel and has been accused several times of spreading "hate".advertisementDuring a mayoral forum in May, Mamdani was asked if he would attend a rally at the iconic Madison Square Garden if Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held the same, and he answered in the negative. In his remarks, he slammed PM Modi for plotting the 2002 Gujarat riots, calling him a "war criminal".Both of Mamdani's parents - Mira Nair and Mahmood Mamdani - were born in India, and his father is a Gujarati Muslim. In 2022, the Supreme Court gave PM Modi a clean chit in the riots case.The 33-year-old also called out Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during yet another public appearance. Mamdani said that if Netanyahu ever set foot in the Big Apple, and he was the mayor, he would order the New York Police Department (NYPD) to arrest him.- Ends(With inputs from Reuters and AP)
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