New York Gears Up for Mayoral Showdown: Jōharan Mamdani Leads Race Amid Modi Remark Controversy

Washington / New York:
The race for New York City’s next mayor has captured global attention this year, largely due to the rise of Democratic candidate Jōharan Mamdani, whose unconventional campaign style and outspoken political views have made him an international talking point.

Mamdani, 34, has been at the center of multiple controversies, particularly for his critical remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His comments comparing the two leaders sparked strong reactions both in India and among Indo-American communities in the U.S.

Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump has openly expressed displeasure toward Mamdani, warning that if he becomes mayor, the federal government might withhold funds from New York City.

Three-way battle for the Big Apple
The upcoming Tuesday election will decide the next mayor of New York City, with voters choosing among three major contenders:

• Jōharan Mamdani (Democrat) – 34, the youngest in the race and currently leading in recent opinion polls.
• Andrew Cuomo (Independent) – 67, former New York Governor who resigned in 2021 amid harassment allegations.
• Curtis Sliwa (Republican) – 71, founder of the “Guardian Angels,” a well-known neighborhood patrol group.

If elected, Mamdani would make history as New York’s first Muslim mayor, and also as the first African-born and South Asian-origin individual to hold the position.

From Kampala to Queens: Mamdani’s unique journey
Born in Kampala, Uganda, in 1991, Mamdani moved to New York at the age of seven. He is the son of acclaimed Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair and prominent Columbia University professor Mahmood Mamdani, who has Gujarati roots.

After graduating from Bowdoin College in 2014, he became a U.S. citizen in 2018. Before entering politics, Mamdani worked as a foreclosure counselor, assisting low-income families at risk of losing their homes.

In 2020, he won election to the New York State Assembly from the 36th District (Astoria, Queens) as a Democratic Socialist, becoming the first South Asian and first Socialist to serve in the assembly.

Modi comment sparks backlash
Mamdani’s controversial remark equating Modi with Netanyahu — saying that both leaders bear responsibility for communal violence in their respective regions — drew sharp criticism.

“We must see Modi the same way we see Netanyahu. Just as Netanyahu is responsible for Gaza, Modi is responsible for Gujarat 2002,” Mamdani said.

The statement provoked widespread outrage among Indian and Hindu communities, many of whom called it “hateful and factually wrong,” noting that India’s courts have cleared Modi of all charges related to the 2002 riots. Several groups demanded that Mamdani issue an apology.

Four-year term, ranked-choice voting system
The mayor of New York City serves a four-year term, with a two-term limit. The election follows a ranked-choice voting system, where voters rank candidates from 1 to 5. A candidate must secure more than 50% of the votes to win outright; otherwise, counting proceeds in multiple rounds until one reaches the majority threshold.

As New Yorkers head to the polls, the world watches closely — to see whether Jōharan Mamdani, a young African-born, Indian-rooted Democrat, can make history in the city that never sleeps.

— SD News International Desk, Washington / New York