Zohran Mamdani, Ugandan-Born Progressive, Shakes Up New York Mayoral Race
Ugandan-born New York State Assemblymember Zohran Kwame Mamdani is making waves as he mounts a formidable challenge against former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the upcoming New York City mayoral primary scheduled for June 24.
Born in Kampala to renowned scholar Mahmood Mamdani and acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, the 33-year-old Mamdani has seen his grassroots campaign rise from outsider status to center stage. Two internal polls released this week show a razor-thin race. Data for Progress puts Cuomo at 51% to Mamdani’s 49% in the final round of ranked-choice voting—a statistical dead heat.
Cuomo’s camp maintains a 12-point lead in their internal numbers, but most political analysts agree: the battle for City Hall has become a showdown between the establishment and a surging progressive.
Mamdani’s platform focuses on affordability and equity, tackling New York’s housing crisis, improving public transit, and expanding access to city services. His legislative record includes securing $450 million in taxi driver debt relief, over $100 million for subway upgrades, and piloting a fare-free bus program now scaling citywide.
“My campaign is about a city that works for everyone—not just the elite,” Mamdani said during a recent rally. “This is proof that grassroots movements can take on political dynasties and win.”
Establishment forces have taken notice. Pro-Cuomo groups like Fix the City have launched attack ads accusing Mamdani of seeking to raise taxes and reduce police funding. Despite that, Mamdani has earned strong endorsements, most notably from Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who declared her support after the June 4 debate.
Mamdani, who represents Queens, blends his immigrant background and deep community roots with a firm commitment to economic justice. His campaign is gaining traction in working-class neighborhoods across the Bronx and Queens—areas historically underserved by the political elite.
As New York counts down to primary day, Mamdani’s historic run could make him not only the city’s youngest mayor in recent history but also its first Ugandan-born leader. Whether that momentum can carry him into Gracie Mansion remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the race is far from over.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQgq_hNBkJQ
