Zuhair Mamdani Could Become New York’s First Muslim Mayor

Zuhair Mamdani, a 33-year-old socialist of Indian-Ugandan heritage, has won the Democratic primary in New York City, making him the frontrunner in November’s mayoral election. If elected, he would become the city’s first Muslim mayor.

Mamdani was born in Uganda to a Muslim family of Indian descent and later moved to the U.S. Before entering politics, he worked as a tenants’ rights attorney and a hip-hop producer. He is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and represents a new generation of progressive Democrats.

His campaign platform includes raising taxes on the top 1%, freezing rent hikes, expanding public housing, reducing food prices, and creating a Department of Public Safety to handle mental health and social issues—functions currently managed by the police.

Mamdani openly supports Palestinian rights and has criticized Israeli policy, positions that have sparked tension with the Democratic establishment but resonated with younger voters. He has also been vocal about his faith and called for increased access to mosques across New York.

With Democrats historically dominant in New York mayoral races, Mamdani’s primary victory puts him in a strong position ahead of the general election.

The race is being closely watched as a test of the Democratic Party’s evolving identity following recent national losses.