US Donald Trump has pitched in pouring his comments on the victory of Indian-origin leftist socialist Zohran Mamdani in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary election, calling him a "100 per cent communist lunatic". Trump also criticised other progressive leaders who support Mamdani, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Senator Chuck Schumer, after former New York governor Andrew Cuomo conceded the election. US

"It's finally happened, the Democrats have crossed the line. Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary, and is on his way to becoming Mayor. We've had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous," the Republican said in a post on his Truth Social platform.

Who is Zohran Mamdani?

On a Friday evening in early June, New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani began a journey that was as symbolic as it was ambitious—walking the entire length of Manhattan. Starting at 7 p.m., Mamdani’s trek ended at 2:30 a.m., but what stood out more than the distance covered was the response he received. Onlookers recognized him, gave him a thumbs up, and some even called out, “Next mayor!” The moment was captured frame-by-frame on social media, where Mamdani explained his mission: to be a mayor New Yorkers can see, hear, and even yell at.

In the words of Nelson Mandela: it always seems impossible until it’s done.

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
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) June 25, 2025

This bold and accessible style isn't just a gimmick. It’s emblematic of the 33-year-old democratic socialist’s entire campaign approach—unfiltered, direct, and deeply grounded in grassroots politics. Following his decisive victory in the New York Democratic primary, his unconventional playbook is being hailed as a model for future candidates, particularly those disillusioned with the traditional Democratic establishment.

Rejecting Convention, Embracing Authenticity

A scroll through Mamdani’s social media presence makes one thing immediately clear: he is far from a typical politician. In place of polished soundbites and carefully choreographed speeches, Mamdani shares candid videos, humorous posts, and unvarnished commentary. His style feels organic, and that authenticity has become his greatest strength.

Made it. pic.twitter.com/Hfs1Xb55P6
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) June 21, 2025

Even before his primary win, Mamdani’s ideas were dismissed as unrealistic by prominent Democrats, including his opponent, former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Proposals such as free public transportation and city-run grocery stores were mocked, and millions were spent on negative ads attacking him. Still, Mamdani's connection to everyday voters—especially Gen Z and disaffected Democrats—carried him forward.

Pollster Frank Luntz noted that the biggest loser of the primary wasn’t Cuomo, but Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. “This is a wake-up call,” Luntz said, pointing to the grassroots hunger for a more ideological, confrontational approach in the post-Trump era.

Harnessing Social Media and Grassroots Energy

Mamdani’s campaign lacked the glitz of name recognition and the deep pockets of wealthy donors. Instead, it relied heavily on building trust—one post, one conversation, one door at a time. He consistently flooded platforms like TikTok and X with videos that blended humor, policy, and personal connection.

A video of Mamdani forcefully criticizing Cuomo during a Democratic debate went viral, garnering over 10 million views on X and another million on TikTok. The impact was enormous, drawing attention to his candidacy from previously disengaged or skeptical voters. His identity—as an immigrant, a Muslim, and someone who refuses to water down his convictions—resonated with those seeking representation that reflects their lived experiences.

His movement attracted nearly 50,000 volunteers, and small donations helped him set fundraising records. For supporters like 30-year-old Harris Krizmanich, Mamdani's campaign was a revelation.

“He humanizes the voter,” Krizmanich said. “He listens. He relates. And that’s incredibly rare.”

Dividing Lines and the Battle Ahead

Despite his overwhelming appeal in many quarters, Mamdani’s support was not uniform across demographics. Interestingly, he performed worst among lower-income voters, earning just 38% of that segment compared to Cuomo’s 49%. This highlights the challenges he may face in the general election in November, especially against Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent.

Adams, who once begrudgingly acknowledged Mamdani's authenticity, has since escalated his rhetoric, recently calling him a “snake oil salesman.” Mamdani has remained focused on kitchen-table issues like rent, transportation, and food insecurity. He insists that his candidacy is about restoring dignity to everyday life and ensuring that government can and does respond to those needs.

A New Model for the Democratic Party?

Mamdani’s win has reignited debate about the direction of the Democratic Party. Some progressive leaders believe his success underscores a key lesson: Americans aren’t necessarily shifting rightward—they’re rejecting a status quo that feels out of touch.

Stephanie Taylor from the Progressive Change Campaign Committee said,

“The base is fed up. The Democratic establishment has consistently sidelined some of our best and brightest simply because they challenged the system.”

Voters, she emphasized, are desperate for leaders who fight for them, not corporate interests or political safety.

With the general election looming, Mamdani still faces significant hurdles. Should he win, his challenge will shift from campaigning to governing, proving that bold ideas can be translated into effective policy, even with limited executive experience.

But for now, his rise is a clear signal: authenticity, grassroots energy, and a willingness to confront power head-on might just be the future of Democratic politics in New York—and beyond.

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