- Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Mamdani secured 43.5 per cent of the vote to clinch the Democratic nomination, becoming the first South Asian and potentially the first Muslim mayoral nominee in NYC history.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic socialist and New York State Assembly member from Astoria, Queens, has clinched the Democratic nomination for New York City mayor. With 90 per cent of ballots counted, Mamdani secured 43.5 per cent of the vote, prompting former Governor Andrew Cuomo to concede the race.
This marks a historic moment, as Mamdani becomes the first South Asian and potentially the first Muslim mayoral nominee for New York City. His campaign, built on progressive promises such as universal rent control, fare-free public transport, and a Green New Deal for NYC, resonated with a diverse coalition of voters, including youth, immigrants, and Muslim communities.
Trump’s Tirade on Social Media
US President Donald Trump responded to Mamdani’s victory with a series of scathing posts on his social media platform, Truth Social. Trump labeled Mamdani a “100% Communist lunatic,” claiming his win signaled a “dangerous shift” for the Democratic Party.
He mocked Mamdani’s appearance and voice, calling him “not very smart,” and took aim at progressive leaders supporting Mamdani, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Senator Chuck Schumer. Trump sarcastically referred to Schumer as “our Great Palestinian Senator” and accused him of “groveling” in support of Mamdani.
Trump’s posts continued with further ridicule, suggesting that Democrats should nominate Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett for president and appoint AOC and her allies to top cabinet positions. He concluded, “Added together with our future Communist Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, and our Country is really SCREWED!”
Mamdani’s Response and Vision
In contrast to Trump’s attacks, Mamdani celebrated his victory with a message of hope and inclusion. Quoting Nelson Mandela, he declared, “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”. Mamdani’s campaign focused on making New York “a city for the many, not the few,” pledging to reject Trump-era policies and govern as a model for the Democratic Party.
His platform includes ambitious proposals: building 200,000 new housing units over the next decade, instituting a universal rent freeze for rent-stabilized tenants, redirecting NYPD funds to social services, and expanding protections for undocumented immigrants.
He has also promised to make New York an LGBTQ+ and immigrant sanctuary city, and to raise the minimum wage to $30 an hour by 2030.
A Progressive Coalition and National Attention
Mamdani’s victory was powered by a broad coalition, including endorsements from progressive heavyweights like Bernie Sanders and AOC. His unapologetic embrace of his immigrant and Muslim identity helped expand his base, especially among underrepresented communities.
His campaign’s focus on affordability, social justice, and inclusivity drew national attention, positioning him as a new face of progressive politics in America’s largest city.
While Mamdani’s win is historic, the final outcome of the mayoral race will be determined in the general election later this year, due to New York’s ranked-choice voting system. If elected, Mamdani would make history as the city’s first Muslim mayor and a leading progressive voice on the national stage.
Trump’s reaction underscores the deep ideological divisions shaping American politics, as New York City prepares for a mayoral race that could set the tone for progressive governance in urban America
