Indian-origin New York State Assemblymember and Democratic socialist Zohran Kwame Mamdani was declared the Democratic nominee for Mayor of New York City on June 24, 2025.

Born in Uganda and raised in New York City, Mamdani is the son of Indian-Ugandan scholar Mahmood Mamdani, and Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair.

Following his victory, Mamdani quoted Nelson Mandela, saying, “In the words of Nelson Mandela: it always seems impossible until it’s done,” and added, “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,” he told a jubilant crowd celebrating his primary win.

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, Mamdani’s closest challenger, conceded on election night.

“Tonight was not our night. Tonight was Assemblyman Mamdani’s night, and he put together a great campaign and he touched young people and inspired them and moved them and got them to come out and vote,” Cuomo told supporters. “Tonight is his night. He deserved it. He won. We’re going to take a look and make some decisions.”

Indian American Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, who endorsed Mamdani, congratulated him, stating, “Something special is happening in New York. A people-powered movement has overcome massive Super PAC spending to put Zohran on track to be the Democratic nominee,” adding that Mamdani stood up to billionaires and the people stood with him.

Jayapal, who had also backed another candidate, Brad Lander, shared a video message on election morning urging voters to support Mamdani.

Addressing “Desi friends, aunties, uncles,” she introduced herself as the first and only Indian American woman in the U.S. Congress and emphasized her commitment to increasing South Asian representation in elected office.

“Today I am here asking New Yorkers to vote for Zohran Mamdani. Zoran is a principled, bold leader who’s one of us ready to fight for us and for all New Yorkers,” said Jayapal. “Look, I can tell you that representation matters. Our voices matter, and this is an incredible opportunity to show that right now, in this election. It matters to have a New Yorker like Zohran, who understands that our diversity is our strength, that diversity is central to New York’s identity, and that our identities and cultures are part of this beautiful melting pot we call New York City and America.” 

She urged voters to rank Mamdani as their top choice and cautioned against supporting Andrew Cuomo, whom she described as “a career politician who resigned in scandal, cut housing funds and is backed by Trump billionaires.”

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), another high-profile endorser, also congratulated him. “Your dedication to an affordable, welcoming, and safe New York City where working families can have a shot has inspired people across the city,” she said. “Billionaires and lobbyists poured millions against you and our public finance system. And you won.”

New York Governor Kathy Hochul acknowledged the results, stating, “Today, voters made their voices heard, demanding a more affordable, more livable New York City. I hear them loud and clear.” She praised Mamdani’s grassroots coalition and said she looks forward to discussing ideas with him for a safer, more affordable city.

Mamdani’s campaign website highlighted his record of advocacy for working-class New Yorkers, including hunger striking alongside taxi drivers to help secure over $450 million in debt relief, winning more than $100 million in state funding for expanded subway service, and helping to launch a successful fare-free bus pilot. His grassroots organizing efforts also contributed to defeating a proposed fossil fuel power plant.

“A majority of New Yorkers are tenants, and more than two million of them live in rent stabilized apartments,” added the website. “These homes should be the bedrock of economic security for the city’s working class. Instead, Eric Adams has taken every opportunity to squeeze tenants, with his hand-picked appointees to the Rent Guidelines Board jacking up rents on stabilized apartments by 9% (and counting)–the most since a Republican ran City Hall.”

Mamdani will face incumbent Mayor Adams, who is running as an independent, in the general election this November.

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