Surprise in the Democratic primaries: New York could have a Muslim and South Asian mayor for the first time.

BarcelonaZohran Mamdani has won the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City. To widespread surprise, the candidate from the party's left-wing wing clearly surpassed the favorite, former state governor Andrew Cuomo.

With more than 95% of the votes counted, Mamdani reportedly garnered 43% of Democratic support, a considerable lead over Cuomo, who had to settle for 36%. Third place went to Brad Lander, with 11%, who rushed to support Mamdani's candidacy with a message warning: "We're going to send Cuomo back to the suburbs." For his part, Cuomo has accepted defeat: "This is [Zohran Mamdani's] night. He deserves it, he won," said the former governor.

A Ugandan native of Indian descent, Mamdani is a political novice and represents the Democrats' left-wing wing. In fact, he has received the support of prominent left-wing figures such as Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of the New York House of Representatives.

The victory of this 33-year-old legislator from the working-class district of Queens is very significant, since, according to several American columnists, it could offer a roadmap for the Democrats to return to the White House. Unknown to the public when he launched his candidacy, Mamdani has aroused enthusiasm among young people with his promises to combat the high cost of living, such as free buses, daycare, and rent caps; measures he plans to finance by taxing the highest incomes.

Optimistic and fresh style

But his success is also largely due to his optimistic and fresh style, which he demonstrated through his viral social media campaign and which embodies a generational shift that many Democrats say they desire. During the campaign, he did groundbreaking things like recording himself jogging in Coney Island, talking to Bronx voters who had voted for Trump last fall.

"Together we have demonstrated the power of the politics of the future, a politics of collaboration and sincerity," the Ugandan-born lawmaker said in a speech declaring victory. If elected mayor, Mamdani would become the city's youngest leader since 1917, as well as the first Muslim and South Asian mayor in New York City history.

Although his core support has been among working-class New Yorkers—he has been the top vote-getter among the predominantly Asian and Latino communities of Queens—Mamdani has also performed well on the affluent streets of Brooklyn and in some wealthy enclaves of Manhattan.

Support for the Palestinian cause

Furthermore, the young legislator distinguished himself by defending the Palestinian cause and criticizing Israel, which was a source of controversy in the city. Mamdani is a fierce critic of the Israeli government, harshly criticized Israel's actions in Gaza, and expressed his belief that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be arrested. Along these lines, in 2023 he introduced a bill to end the tax-exempt status of New York charities with ties to Israeli settlements that violate international human rights law, although the bill went nowhere.

Typically, the winner of the Democratic primary is considered the favorite in the November general election. But this fall's contests will be closer, as they will also include the city's current mayor, Eric Adams, who is running as an independent, and Cuomo, who has not yet given up on running as an independent as well.