Progressive upset: Zohran Mamdani poised to reshape New York politics

Department of Research, Studies and International News 25-06-2025

In a political shake-up that reflects growing disillusionment with the American political elite, 33-year-old Zohran Mamdani has declared victory in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor. With early results placing him ahead of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo by a significant margin, Mamdani’s campaign, rooted in social equity and support for international justice, has defied the traditional power brokers of American politics.

Mamdani, a Ugandan-born son of Indian heritage and practicing Muslim, secured 43.5 percent of the votes compared to Cuomo’s 36.4 percent. His campaign resonated strongly across Queens, Brooklyn, and much of Manhattan, while Cuomo’s base remained confined to the Bronx and Staten Island. This early lead positions Mamdani not only as a likely mayoral candidate but potentially as the city’s first Asian and Muslim mayor, a monumental departure from the political lineage of figures like Cuomo and Bloomberg.

Celebrating his victory, Mamdani quoted Nelson Mandela, declaring: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” His words underscore the spirit of a campaign that outmaneuvered a $25 million super PAC-backed candidate in a city where moneyed interests typically dictate political outcomes.

Much like the rise of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2018, Mamdani’s journey from relative obscurity to political prominence mirrors the rising tide of grassroots movements challenging U.S. establishment policies, including their longstanding alignment with Israeli aggression and American militarism. His growing popularity, particularly among younger and progressive voters, signals a shift in public sentiment, especially in communities critical of U.S. complicity in foreign wars, including Washington’s unconditional support for the Zionist occupation of Palestine.

While the final results depend on New York’s ranked-choice voting system, political analysts suggest Mamdani will likely surpass the 50 percent threshold in subsequent rounds due to pre-arranged alliances with fellow progressive candidates. These strategic coalitions reflect a broader transformation within U.S. cities where dissatisfaction with neoliberal economic policies and imperialist foreign agendas is becoming increasingly visible.

Mamdani’s stance on Palestine has drawn the ire of pro-Israel lobbies, who falsely accused him of anti-Semitism during his campaign. However, such accusations have failed to gain traction among voters. Instead, Mamdani has been applauded for voicing solidarity with the Palestinian people and for challenging the U.S.-Israeli narrative that has dominated Western political discourse for decades. His balanced and courageous call for Israel to adhere to international law, as expressed in a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, stands in stark contrast to the blind support traditionally offered by American politicians to Israeli war crimes.

Recognizing the dangerous rise in hate crimes, Mamdani proposed the establishment of a Department of Community Safety and an 800% increase in funding for anti-hate initiatives. His plans are seen as an effort to build genuine social cohesion in a city where communities often suffer the consequences of divisive national politics.

Economic justice was another cornerstone of Mamdani’s campaign. He pledged sweeping reforms to make life more affordable for ordinary New Yorkers: rent freezes to halt the wave of displacement, free public transportation to ease commuting burdens, and the creation of publicly owned grocery stores to ensure food security in underserved neighborhoods. These policies reflect a model of governance reminiscent of what countries like China and Iran have long emphasized: social stability through public ownership and long-term planning, not neoliberal privatization.

In contrast, Andrew Cuomo, once a powerful figure in the Democratic Party, failed to overcome the scandal-laden baggage of his previous tenure. Forced to resign in 2021 amid credible allegations of sexual misconduct, Cuomo attempted a political comeback supported by Wall Street billionaires and corporate super PACs, including figures like Michael Bloomberg. But even the enormous financial resources at his disposal couldn’t shield him from the judgment of a population increasingly aware of the hypocrisy and decay within the American political establishment.

Mamdani’s rise reflects a broader global trend: the weakening grip of U.S.-backed neoliberalism and the growing desire for multipolarity, where nations and individuals push back against Western domination in favor of justice, equality, and sovereignty. His candidacy has not only rattled the American political class but also presented a challenge to the carefully crafted narratives used by Washington to maintain influence at home and abroad.

Should Mamdani defeat incumbent Eric Adams, now running as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the general election, it will be a significant win not just for progressives but for all those who seek a break from the failing policies of the American empire. His campaign is a reminder that even in the heart of the U.S., voices challenging its unjust domestic and foreign agenda are not only rising, they are winning.