This is an article from the June 2025 Civitas Examiner (Volume 2, No. 3) and was written by one of our students, Mira R. The opinions expressed herein do not reflect those of Civitas other than respect for the value of open dialogue. To read more Civitas Examiner stories or to submit your own, click here.
The results of New York City’s mayoral primary last evening shocked many. Zohran Mamdani, who was a little-known lawmaker until just a few months ago, emerged victorious over Andrew Cuomo, a well-established (albeit somewhat disgraced) Democratic politician. Though the results of the election won’t be confirmed until July 1st, Cuomo has conceded the election to Mamdani. So, who is Zohran Mamdani, and how did he win the election?
Let’s start with the facts: Mamdani is a 33-year-old member of the New York State Assembly. He was originally born in Uganda, but has lived in New York City since he was 7. He is a member of the Democratic party, and is also associated with the Democratic Socialists of America. In terms of his policies, the economy is a large part of his platform, supporting caps on rent increases, making city buses free, affordable childcare, and raising the minimum wage. Additionally, he has vehemently condemned the actions of the Israeli government. Because of this, he has faced criticism for being too radical or unrealistic in his policy goals. But his campaign has clearly landed with young, progressive voters, resulting in a landslide win against Cuomo.
Aside from his policies, a key aspect of Mamdani’s campaign was his online campaigning. During his campaign, he was highly active on social media, as well as appearing on podcasts or online talk shows such as The Bulwark or SubwayTakes. Though social media campaigning has certainly been utilized before, Mamdani’s online presence has what a lot of other candidates lack: authenticity.
Mamdani’s campaign manager, Elle Bisgaard-Church, tells Politico that “As establishment Democrats fail to meaningfully connect with voters through nontraditional media, we’ve broken through to them — and it’s driving our fundraising and field efforts.” Indeed, many Democrats have tried and failed to use social media to their advantage, often coming off as rehearsed or stiff. Mamdani’s social media is the opposite- funny, satirical, and tongue-in-cheek. In January, Mamdani filmed himself participating in the New York City Polar Plunge- where he jumped into the Atlantic Ocean wearing a full dress suit to highlight his rent freeze policies. “I’m freezing…your rent as the next mayor of New York City,” he declared. In the final days of the campaign, he walked the entire 13-mile length of Manhattan while filming himself talking to the residents.
Overall, many see Mamdani as a revival of the struggling Democratic party, and a symbol for change in New York City.
