New York: Zohran Mamdani is leading the New York City Democratic mayoral election as per the primary vote tallied on Tuesday, having gained a significant lead over former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo conceded defeat within two hours after vote counting began, although citizens will have to wait a week or more to know the final result.

ANI reported that Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, gained 44 percent of the first-choice votes, with Cuomo at 36 percent. In the city’s ranked-choice voting system, voters can rank up to five candidates according to their preference. Mamdani and Cuomo emerged as the main contenders in the counting of first-choice votes. If Mamdani wins, he would be the city’s first South Asian and Muslim mayor.

Who is Zohran Mamdani?

Zohran Kwame Mamdani was born in Uganda to Indian filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani, and raised in New York and Astoria. He is the first South Asian man, the first Ugandan, and the third Muslim ever to serve in the NY State Assembly, of which has been a representative since 2021.

Progressive campaigning and political support

He had steadily garnered popular appeal, especially of young people, through his innovative campaigns, even speaking in Hindi to emphasise his Indian roots. His social media campaign, focusing on progressive causes such as freezing rent, offering free bus services, universal childcare, and cheaper groceries, has gained much wider attention than his competitors. He has also been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause and opposed Israel’s violence in Gaza.
Appearing on popular talk shows and collaborating with content creators in an attempt to reach out to young voters, he has been running a robust social media campaign. In a reel posted on his official Instagram page in the days leading up to the election, Mamdani could be seen speaking to his voters in Hindi, informing them of his campaign and how the ranked-choice voting system works in an accessible fashion. The reel features music from Om Shanti Om (2007), iconic dialogues from ‘Deewar’ (1975) and ‘Karz’ (1980), with Mamdani striking the iconic Shah Rukh pose in the streets with arms outstretched.

Cuomo reportedly congratulated Mamdani saying, "Tonight was Assemblyman Mamdani's night, and he put together a great campaign, and he touched young people and inspired them and moved them and got them to come out and vote, and he really ran a highly impactful campaign." Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders had voiced their support for Mamdani, with Ocasio-Cortez taking part in a rally with him in June.

(With inputs from AP, ANI)