Muslim, former rapper and socialist: Zia Mamdani leads the race for mayor of New York

Democratic candidate Zia Mamdani has emerged as the favorite in the preliminary race for mayor of New York, becoming the first Muslim in history to run for the position from one of the two leading parties in the United States. According to the results of counting 95% of votes, Mamdani received 43%, ahead of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who scored 36%. The final results can be adjusted within the framework of the ranked voting system, but the current gap makes Mamdani's advantage almost unattainable.

Zuma Mamdani, a 33-year-old New York State Assemblyman, was born in Uganda and raised in the Queens area. Before starting his political career, he was involved in human rights work, helping low-income families fight the threat of eviction. He builds his campaign on active work with the population, often communicating with voters in mosques, markets and streets. Mamdani openly positions herself as a representative of ordinary citizens and a member of the progressive movement.

His election platform is based on:

Introduction of free public bus transport;

Universal child care system;

Creating a network of municipal grocery stores;

Freezing of rental rates and tougher measures against unscrupulous landlords;

Affordable Housing Construction Program.

Mamdani's proposals caused an active public discussion. The New York Times called his platform "not realistic enough," and Andrew Cuomo criticized his opponent's lack of managerial experience. Despite this, the candidate has received widespread support from progressive movements, volunteer networks, and voters from immigrant communities, including those who are voting for the first time.

Mamdani also took a clear position on foreign policy issues. He speaks out in support of Palestine, criticizing Israeli policies towards Palestinians and the financing of Israeli settlements. At the same time, he emphasizes that he stands for equal rights for all citizens — both in Israel and in other countries — and condemns any manifestations of anti-Semitism.

In the next stage of the campaign, Mamdani will have to fight with the current mayor Eric Adams, as well as, possibly, with Andrew Cuomo returning to politics. The New York City mayoral election is scheduled for November.