He might be a long shot to some, but Zohran Mamdani’s underdog campaign for New York City mayor is turning more heads than anyone expected.
At 33, the self-proclaimed democratic socialist has not only caught up to—but is now neck and neck with—former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the race for the Democratic nomination.
And if he wins? He’d make history as NYC’s first Muslim mayor.
Not Your Average Candidate
Zohran’s background is anything but typical for a local politician.
Born in Uganda, he moved to the U.S. at age seven.
His mom? None other than award-winning filmmaker Mira Nair, best known for Mississippi Masala starring Denzel Washington.
His dad? Mahmood Mamdani, a Columbia University professor and expert in colonial studies.
But instead of following in their footsteps, Zohran dove into grassroots politics, fueled by his passion to challenge New York’s affordability crisis.
A Populist Platform with Star Power
Mamdani’s campaign has been pushing bold ideas: free city-run buses, rent freezes for stabilized apartments, and even municipally owned grocery stores.
What seemed fringe a few months ago now sounds like fresh air to many struggling New Yorkers.
He’s also built an eclectic fanbase.
Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have thrown their support behind him, and outside politics, celebrities like Emily Ratajkowski and SNL’s Bowen Yang are backing his message.
Ratajkowski even posted a video while rocking a “Hot Girls for Zohran” shirt on primary day, reminding voters that young voices can swing the election.
“It’s hot, we know,” she said.
“But your vote seriously matters.”
Viral Clips, Hipster Canvassers, and Social Media Swagger
Mamdani’s campaign knows how to work the internet.
Clips of him respectfully debating Trump supporters, knocking on doors, and speaking directly to Gen Z voters have gone viral.
He’s become the face of a youth-driven movement—his smile plastered on posters across every borough, his volunteers easily spotted with clipboards and canvas totes.
On a recent podcast, he even got personal, sharing that he met his wife, artist Rama Duwaji, on Hinge.
“Just to let people know,” he laughed, “it still works.”
Israel, Palestine, and a Political Flashpoint
But not everything has been smooth sailing.
Mamdani’s outspoken support for Palestinian rights has triggered backlash in one of the city’s largest Jewish communities.
He’s been criticized for refusing to outright condemn calls to “globalize the intifada,” a phrase many believe incites violence.
Appearing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert alongside fellow candidate Brad Lander, Mamdani tried to walk a careful line—denouncing antisemitism while defending his pro-Palestinian stance.
Colbert didn’t let him off easy, asking whether Israel “has the right to exist.”
Mamdani replied, “Yes, like all nations… with a responsibility to uphold international law.”
Critics and Comebacks
Jewish leaders, including Rep. Dan Goldman and the Anti-Defamation League, weren’t satisfied, labeling his remarks as offensive and dangerous.
Even the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C. weighed in.
Meanwhile, critics have resurfaced clips of Mamdani suggesting the NYPD should be removed from high-crime neighborhoods, arguing for non-carceral alternatives to punishment.
He’s said these policies would give Black communities the same compassion often afforded to white suburbs.
Cuomo Strikes Back
Andrew Cuomo, once the state’s top Democrat, has painted Mamdani as too radical and too inexperienced to manage the city.
He’s questioned Zohran’s ability to handle emergencies or navigate New York’s massive bureaucracy.
But Mamdani hasn’t held back either—he’s brought up Cuomo’s 2021 resignation, triggered by a sexual harassment scandal and a blistering attorney general’s report.
“He’s not running to help New Yorkers,” Mamdani said.
“He’s running to redeem himself.”
A Race That’s Far From Over
Thanks to the city’s ranked choice voting system, the winner won’t be known immediately.
If no one clears 50% of the vote, counting preferences won’t even begin until July 1.
It could take a week or more to determine who will face off against current mayor Eric Adams in the general election.
Adams, caught in his own whirlwind of legal troubles, is now running as an independent after federal corruption charges were mysteriously dropped.
What’s Next?
Can Mamdani’s grassroots movement overcome the establishment’s grip on the city? Will Cuomo stage a political comeback? Or will someone else sneak up the rankings thanks to second and third-place votes?
Either way, New York’s political future is anything but predictable.