A stunning political twist that blends Gen Z energy with grassroots activism, 33-year-old Zohran Mamdani is on the brink of making history — not just as New York City’s first Muslim mayor, but as the digital darling of a generation fed up with old-school politics. With viral tweets, deeply personal campaign videos, and a TikTok-savvy approach to voter outreach, Mamdani has done what once seemed impossible: defeat political heavyweight Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic mayoral primary of New York City.
And the internet? It called it months ago.
In the words of Nelson Mandela: it always seems impossible until it’s done.
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) June 25, 2025
My friends, it is done. And you are the ones who did it.
I am honored to be your Democratic nominee for the Mayor of New York City. pic.twitter.com/AgW0Z30xw1
Long before the ballots were counted, Zohran Mamdani had already won the hearts of a digital generation. Tweets with his name routinely went viral, fan edits flooded TikTok, and his campaign merch — dubbed “extremely wearable” — became a statement of cool activism. Influencers, progressive organizers, and Gen Z voters didn’t just support Mamdani — they believed in him.
Now, with 95% of ballot scanners reporting, Mamdani leads with 43.5% of the vote, while Cuomo trails at 36.4%. With nine other candidates far behind, and ranked-choice ballots likely to favor Mamdani (thanks to third-place finisher Brad Lander urging his supporters to back Zohran), the math is all but sealed.
Even Cuomo conceded, telling supporters: “Tonight is his night.”
The Democratic primary held on June 24 was set to be Cuomo’s political comeback, four years after resigning amid sexual harassment allegations.
If the ranked-choice results hold, Zohran Mamdani will become the first Muslim mayor in New York City history. But his win is more than symbolic — it’s generational.
He didn’t just defeat a former governor with decades of establishment support — including endorsements from Bill Clinton and Michael Bloomberg — he redefined how to run for office in the digital age.
Dr. Jess Rauchberg, an expert in social media and politics, summed it up perfectly: “Zohran’s campaign feels fresh and personal… like a friend talking to you.” That intimacy has mobilized thousands of young voters, influencers, and progressive organizers to throw their weight behind him — online and offline.
Born in Uganda to Indian parents, Mamdani brings with him a rich multicultural identity — and a deep commitment to justice. A sitting state assembly member from Queens, he’s been a vocal pro-Palestinian advocate, a champion of housing rights, and a loud critic of establishment politics.
Should Zohran Mamdani clinch the mayoralty, he won’t just be the first Muslim mayor of New York — he’ll be a leader born from hashtags, hope, and the power of people who believe the future can, and should, look different.
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