Uganda-born Zohran Mamdani moved to New York when he was seven. Today, Mamdani, 33, is set to become Democratic nominee for New York mayor. The left-wing democratic socialist defeated 67-year-old former state governor Andrew Cuomo.

If Mamdani gets elected in November’s election, he would become the first Indian American and Muslim to lead New York.

“Tonight we made history,” Mamdani said in his victory speech. Cuomo congratulated him saying it was a “really smart and great campaign”.

Mamdani commanded a good lead but the results fell short of 50% mandatory for an outright win.

Mamdani is known for his platform that includes universal childcare, free public buses, and city-run grocery stores, all of which is paid for by fresh taxes on the rich. “This is a city where one in four of its people are living in poverty, a city where 500,000 kids go to sleep hungry every night… And ultimately, it’s a city that is in danger of losing that which makes it so special,” Mamdani had said at an event recently. – editor@nrifocus.com