Young Muslim Voters Propel Zohran Mamdani to Historic NYC Mayoral Primary Win

Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist and state assemblyman from Queens, achieved a seismic upset in the June 25, 2025, New York City Democratic mayoral primary, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo and securing the support of a diverse coalition—including a surge of young Muslim voters—who saw themselves reflected in his candidacy. Mamdani’s victory, with 43.5% of first-place votes compared to Cuomo’s 36.3%, according to the New York City Board of Elections, marks a generational shift in city politics and positions him as the presumptive Democratic nominee for mayor of America’s largest city. His success came despite facing a $25 million super PAC campaign supporting Cuomo, underscoring the power of grassroots organizing and a fresh, inclusive message.

From Obscure Legislator to Mayoral Frontrunner

Zohran Mamdani’s rise from relative obscurity to the threshold of City Hall is a tale of relentless campaigning, coalition-building, and a platform focused squarely on affordability and equity. His campaign resonated deeply with New Yorkers grappling with a cost-of-living crisis, especially young voters and communities of color who felt alienated by traditional political elites.

Mamdani’s message—“While corruption is engulfing City Hall, it’s the cost-of-living crisis that most New Yorkers are concerned about”—struck a chord across the city, according to NY. His proposals for rent freezes, free city bus service, affordable child care, and community-owned grocery stores offered concrete solutions to everyday struggles, setting him apart from Cuomo’s focus on public safety and experience.

Muslim Voters Rally Behind Mamdani

For many Muslim Americans in New York City, Mamdani’s campaign represented more than just a political choice—it was a moment of recognition and hope. “All of Cuomo’s advertisements aimed to portray Mamdani as a terrorist,” said Bilquees Akhtar, assistant to the principal at EPIC High School North in Richmond Hill, Queens. “But he’s a New Yorker just like me,” she told The New York Times.

Akhtar’s story is emblematic. After her children bombarded her with TikTok clips and text messages urging her to vote for Mamdani, she cast her ballot for the assemblyman, despite having previously supported Cuomo and his father. “This kid is brilliant, and so friendly!” she said, reflecting the enthusiasm among many Muslim families who saw Mamdani as a candidate who understood their experiences and values.

Mamdani’s victory, should he win the general election, would make him the first Muslim mayor in New York City’s history and the first mayor of South Asian heritage, a milestone that has galvanized Muslim and immigrant communities across the five boroughs.

A Coalition of the Young and Diverse

Mamdani’s campaign energized a new generation of voters. Election data showed a surge in turnout among young people in neighborhoods like Astoria, Greenpoint, and Bushwick, where participation doubled or even tripled compared to 20214. “He truly did expand the electorate. They had a plan for who they were going to reach out to, and they did, and they did it relentlessly, and it worked,” said political analyst Michael Lange.

While Mamdani did not win a majority of Black voters—Cuomo carried precincts with at least 70% Black populations by a wide margin—he made unexpected inroads among Latino and Asian communities, building a multiracial alliance that defied conventional political wisdom. This shift reflects broader changes in New York’s demographics and political landscape, where younger, more diverse voters are increasingly shaping the city’s future.

Progressive Endorsements and Establishment Pushback

Mamdani’s campaign received a significant boost from high-profile progressive endorsements. U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, making his first-ever endorsement in a New York City mayoral primary, threw his weight behind Mamdani just a week before the election. “We need a new politics and new leadership that is prepared to stand up to powerful corporate interests and fight for the working class,” Sanders declared.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also endorsed Mamdani, providing star power to his grassroots effort. The progressive alliance behind Mamdani stood in stark contrast to the establishment forces rallying around Cuomo, who sought to make a political comeback after his resignation as governor in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations.

Despite this momentum, Mamdani faced sharp criticism from the editorial board of The New York Times, which urged voters to leave him off their ranked-choice ballots, arguing that his progressive agenda was “uniquely unsuited to the city’s challenges”. The Times cited concerns about rent freezes restricting housing supply, government-run grocery stores, and a perceived downplaying of policing. Mamdani responded with confidence, stating, “These are the opinions of only about a dozen New Yorkers. A democracy will be decided by close to a million New Yorkers”.

The Power of Grassroots Organizing and Digital Campaigning

Mamdani’s campaign harnessed the energy of grassroots volunteers and leveraged digital platforms to reach new voters. Clever, social media-friendly videos and targeted outreach helped build an enthusiastic base, particularly among young people and communities of color. This approach paid dividends on election night, as Mamdani’s lead was so substantial that Cuomo conceded before the final results were tallied.

The campaign’s focus on affordability and equity resonated in a city where many feel left behind by rising rents and stagnant wages. Mamdani’s promise to address these issues head-on, coupled with his personal story as the child of immigrants and a proud New Yorker, helped him connect with voters across the city.

A Historic Upset and Its Implications

Mamdani’s victory is a rebuke to the Democratic establishment and a sign of shifting political winds in New York City. His success came without the need for multiple rounds of ranked-choice voting, which many analysts had predicted would be necessary to overcome Cuomo’s lead11. Instead, Mamdani built a commanding lead in the first round, signaling broad support for his vision of a more equitable city.

The outcome also reflects broader trends in American politics, where progressive candidates are increasingly challenging establishment figures and building multiracial, multiethnic coalitions. Mamdani’s campaign proved that power can belong to the people, even in the face of well-funded opposition and media skepticism.

Challenges and Opportunities

Mamdani’s path to City Hall is not yet assured. While he is the presumptive Democratic nominee, he will face a competitive general election in November, where he will likely confront a well-funded opponent and continued scrutiny from establishment voices. The challenges facing the next mayor—affordability, public safety, education, and equity—are daunting, and Mamdani’s progressive agenda will be tested against the realities of governance.

Yet, his victory has already reshaped the political landscape in New York City. It has inspired a new generation of voters, energized progressive movements, and demonstrated the power of inclusive, grassroots organizing. For Muslim Americans and other communities of color, Mamdani’s rise represents a long-overdue moment of recognition and hope.

Future Prospects

Zohran Mamdani’s stunning upset in the New York City mayoral primary is a story of resilience, coalition-building, and the power of a message that resonates with everyday New Yorkers. His campaign mobilized young voters, inspired Muslim and immigrant communities, and challenged the dominance of establishment politics.

As Mamdani prepares for the general election, the city will be watching closely to see if he can translate his primary success into a broader mandate for change. Regardless of the outcome, his campaign has already made history—and set a new standard for what is possible in New York City politics.

“Tonight we made history. The words of Nelson Mandela: ‘It always seems impossible until it’s done.’ Friends, we have done it.”

— Zohran Mamdani, speaking to supporters on election night