Liberal politicians outside the United States are closely scrutinizing Zohran Mamdani’s recent victory in the New York mayoral race. His election win has sparked discussions on effective strategies to counter the rise of right-wing populism. News of the 34-year-old’s success resonated globally, from his native Uganda to France and Britain, where far-right parties are gaining traction, as well as in India, where Mamdani is celebrated as a member of the diaspora.
Abhishek Manu Singhvi, a notable opposition leader in India, remarked that Mamdani’s triumph “demonstrates that liberal values can still flourish” in a nation influenced by Donald Trump. He emphasized that “youth, energy, and dynamism matter.” Notably, The Times of India highlighted Mamdani's use of a quote from India’s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, in his victory speech: “A moment comes, but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new.” The newspaper characterized Mamdani's celebration as “loud, defiant, and unmistakably Indian,” mirroring his campaign style.
Zohran Mamdani proudly embraces his international heritage. Born in Kampala to parents of Indian origin—one Hindu and one Muslim—he relocated to New York at age seven and became a U.S. citizen in 2018. His spouse, Rama Duwaji, is an illustrator with Syrian roots. In Uganda, opposition leaders see Mamdani's success as a beacon of hope. One leader remarked that it offers “a significant encouragement even to us here in Uganda that it’s possible,” although he acknowledged the challenges ahead.
Progressive politicians across Europe are also taking note of Mamdani's success. From the liberal mayor of Budapest, whose prime minister is a Trump ally, to Labour figures in the UK, the implications of Mamdani's win are being discussed widely. London mayor, Sadiq Khan, congratulated Mamdani, stating, “New Yorkers faced a clear choice, between hope and fear, and just like we’ve seen in London, hope won.” Khan, who is also a Muslim mayor facing hostility similar to Mamdani’s, acknowledged the significance of this moment.
Labour MP Luke Charters emphasized that Mamdani’s victory illustrates how to effectively combat right-wing populism in the UK by delivering “real solutions, not empty slogans.” A core tenet of Mamdani’s campaign was his commitment to making New York more affordable for residents. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, now an independent MP, praised Mamdani for igniting “a grassroots campaign, built on the radical idea that everyone deserves to live in dignity.”
French politician Manon Aubry, co-chair of the Left group in the European Parliament, noted that Mamdani’s victory occurred despite facing significant opposition from the media and financial establishments. She highlighted that he successfully promoted “radically concrete proposals,” such as a rent freeze, free public transportation, and accessible public daycare, while also addressing issues of racism and the conflict in Gaza.
However, there was disappointment in Israel, where Mamdani has accused the government of genocide—a claim that has sparked significant debate. Israeli minister of diaspora affairs, Amichai Chikli, expressed concern that “New York will never be the same again,” warning that the city risks following London into turmoil.
New York hosts a large Jewish community, the biggest in any city outside Israel. Mamdani made outreach to Jewish communities a focal point of his campaign, advocating against antisemitism. Despite facing Islamophobia from both Democratic and Republican politicians, he vowed in his victory speech to “build a City Hall that stands steadfast alongside Jewish New Yorkers” in the fight against antisemitism.
In a surprising twist, Donald Trump intervened late in the race, labeling Mamdani a “Jew hater” on social media and criticizing Jewish voters who supported him as “stupid.” Despite this, a CNN exit poll indicated that Mamdani may have garnered as much as one-third of the Jewish vote, highlighting his ability to connect across diverse communities.
The Associated Press contributed to this report, showcasing how Mamdani's victory is not just a local event but a significant moment in the global political landscape.
