Once 30 Points Behind, Zohran Mamdani Surges Ahead in NYC Mayor’s Race
Just months ago, Zohran Mamdani trailed former governor Andrew Cuomo by 30 points. Now, heading into Tuesday’s Democratic primary, the 33-year-old democratic socialist is neck and neck with the establishment heavyweight — and making waves far beyond traditional political circles.
Mamdani, a state assemblymember and aspiring rapper known for his sharp social media presence and unapologetically progressive platform, has won over a young and energized base. His proposals — including free citywide buses, a rent freeze, and a 200,000-unit affordable housing plan — have helped transform the race from a predictable coronation for Cuomo into one of the most closely watched contests in the country.
Endorsements from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders have only boosted his rise. So too has his near-million-strong following across Instagram and TikTok, where Mamdani’s humor, self-awareness, and subway-walking authenticity have drawn a sharp contrast with the multimillionaire Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations.
One viral video showed Mamdani trying to keep his famously expressive hands in his pockets — only to have them slapped down every time they escaped. “This election is in your hands,” read the caption.
Born in Uganda to Indian parents, Mamdani moved to New York at age seven. He’s long been politically engaged — winning a mock presidential election in grade school — and was elected to represent a Queens district in the New York State Assembly in 2021.
His mayoral pitch is ambitious. To pay for his agenda, Mamdani proposes raising corporate taxes and introducing a flat tax on individuals earning over $1 million. He argues that fare-free buses alone would spur $1.5 billion in economic benefits — more than double their estimated $630 million annual cost.
But as his popularity has grown, so has criticism — not just from establishment figures, but from fellow progressives. At a recent debate, State Senator Jessica Ramos quipped: “I thought I needed more experience to run. Turns out you just need to make good videos.” Cuomo, meanwhile, has launched attack ads portraying Mamdani as too radical and inexperienced — criticisms Mamdani dismisses as status quo fear-mongering.
Controversy escalated when a pro-Cuomo group was accused of darkening Mamdani’s skin and beard in a proposed mailer. Mamdani, who would be New York’s first Muslim mayor, condemned the image as “blatant Islamophobia.” The group claimed it was a vendor’s draft that was “immediately rejected.”
Mamdani hasn’t held back either, branding Cuomo “the candidate of a billionaire class” and linking him to Donald Trump by highlighting shared donors.
“Oligarchy is on the ballot,” his campaign told supporters this week. And judging by the polls and the buzz, many New Yorkers are listening.
