Zohran Mamdani Makes History: NYC’s First Muslim Mayoral Nominee?

June 25, 2025: In a historic political milestone, New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani has declared victory as the Democratic nominee for New York City Mayor, expressing gratitude and echoing Nelson Mandela’s iconic words: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Mamdani wrote, “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.”

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Zohran Mamdani, a Ugandan-born Indian-American and democratic socialist, leads the field in first-choice votes as part of NYC’s ranked-choice voting system. The 33-year-old is the first South Asian man, the first Ugandan, and just the third Muslim ever elected to the New York State Assembly.

The race saw a major turning point when former Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded, praising Mamdani’s grassroots campaign. “He touched young people and inspired them,” said Cuomo at his election night party. Though hinting at a potential run in the November election via a new party, Cuomo acknowledged, “Tonight is his night. He won.”

If elected in November, Mamdani would become New York City’s first Muslim mayor. Backed by a strong progressive agenda, his campaign promises include rent freezes, free public buses, universal childcare, and increased taxes on the wealthy to support social programs.

The candidate has emerged as a rallying point for voters opposed to Cuomo’s comeback, especially in light of his 2021 resignation over sexual harassment allegations.

Mamdani’s support base includes major political figures and organizations such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Senator Bernie Sanders, New York Working Families Party, and State Attorney General Letitia James, who urged voters to include Mamdani in their ranked-choice ballots.

Born to acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and scholar Mahmood Mamdani, Zohran is now poised to make history in one of the world’s most iconic cities.