November 5, 2025 | 04:15 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - On November 5, 2025, Zohran Kwame Mamdani won the mayoral election in New York City, defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.
His victory marks a historic milestone as the first Muslim mayor of New York City, a city with a population of 8.4 million.
In his victory speech, Mamdani said, “Here we believe in standing up for those we love, whether you are an immigrant, a member of the trans community, one of the many Black women that Donald Trump has fired from a federal job, a single mom still waiting for the cost of groceries to go down, or anyone else with their back against the wall."
“No more will New York be a city where you can traffic in Islamophobia and win an election.”
Who is Zohran Mamdani?
Zohran Mamdani was born on April 12, 1989, in Kampala, Uganda. He is a Muslim of South Asian heritage and notably the first person born in Africa to lead New York City.
Both of his parents are of Indian descent. Mamdani spent part of his early childhood in South Africa before moving to New York at the age of seven.
He attended the Bronx High School of Science and later earned a Bachelor’s Degree in African Studies from Bowdoin College. Prior to entering politics, Mamdani worked as a foreclosure prevention consultant, assisting low-income communities in securing housing.
Mamdani did not acquire U.S. citizenship as a child; he became a U.S. citizen in 2018. In 2020, he was elected as a representative for New York’s 36th Assembly District, which includes Astoria, Ditmars-Steinway, and Astoria Heights. He is married to Rama Duwaji, a Brooklyn-based artist of Syrian descent.
What Sets Mamdani Apart?
Zohran Mamdani is a self-identified democratic socialist and is widely recognized for his progressive political platform, which sets him apart from many traditional Democratic politicians in the United States.
His policy priorities focus on social justice, economic equality, and minority rights, making him particularly popular among younger, urban voters in New York City.
Mamdani has been vocally outspoken on international issues, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a topic that remains highly divisive in U.S. politics.
His strong support for Palestinian rights and critical stance toward Israel’s military actions have drawn both attention and criticism, highlighting his willingness to challenge mainstream political positions.
Domestically, Mamdani champions LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant protections, affordable housing, and economic reforms aimed at addressing inequality and the rising cost of living.
His approach appeals to progressive and marginalized communities, including immigrants, people of color, and the city’s younger demographic.
In his victory speech, Mamdani signaled a break from traditional Democratic politics, emphasizing his commitment to ending corruption, promoting accountability, and challenging the influence of wealthy elites in governance.
He explicitly referenced former President Donald Trump, telling him to “Turn the volume up,” a call for national attention to the pressing political and social issues facing New York City.
A New Era for New York
Zohran Mamdani’s election represents a shift toward progressive leadership in New York City. His diverse background, commitment to social justice, and bold political positions reflect the aspirations of a younger generation eager for change.
Observers note that his tenure could redefine city politics while highlighting the increasing influence of minority and immigrant communities in shaping local governance.
DITYA RASYADIPUTRA
Editor’s Choice: Zohran Mamdani Secures New York Election, Becomes First Muslim Mayor
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