NEW YORK – Muslim politician Zohran Mamdani has been elected as New York City’s youngest mayor since 1892, and the city’s first-ever Muslim and first African-born mayor.
Mamdani’s rise has drawn comparisons to Barack Obama’s historic ascent to the presidency. But there’s one major difference: Zohran Mamdani can never become US president.
As per American law, only those who are born in US can occupy the Oval Office. Mamdani, who became an American citizen in 2018, was born in 1991 in Uganda to Indian parents who were not US citizens at the time. He moved to the United States at the age of seven and has since become one of the most dynamic figures in progressive American politics.
Defeating political heavyweight Andrew Cuomo, son of a former New York governor, and Republican challenger Curtis Sliwa, Mamdani’s victory is being hailed as a defining moment for the Democratic Party’s progressive wing.
Mamdani embodies a multicultural, working-class America that has long been underrepresented in the corridors of power. His campaign spoke directly to economic inequality, labor rights, and racial justice, bringing back disillusioned voters who had turned away from the party in recent years.
Off the campaign trail, Mamdani’s personal life has captured nearly as much attention as his politics. His wife, Rama Duwaji, a 28-year-old Syrian-American artist and animator, has become a sensation in her own right. Through her art, she highlights Middle Eastern struggles, and her creative fire, Mamdani says, inspires him daily.
In true populist fashion, Mamdani didn’t shy away from addressing his biggest critic President Donald Trump. “Donald Trump, I know you’re watching,” he said with a grin. “I’ve got four words for you, turn the volume up!”
As he gestured to the crowd, thousands erupted in a thunderous chant. “To get to one of us,” Mamdani roared, “you’ll have to go through all of us.
Mamdani credited his win to the over 100,000 volunteers who powered his campaign — and to the city’s kaleidoscope of communities: Yemeni bodega owners, Senegalese taxi drivers, Uzbek nurses, Ethiopian aunties, and countless others.
“Tonight, we’ve shown the world that hope is still alive,” he declared, his voice echoing through Manhattan’s night air.
Blow to Trump as Zohran Mamdani becomes first Muslim mayor of New York City
