New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani celebrating alongside his wife Rama Duwaji during an election night event on Nov 4.PHOTO: AFP

Why does the Democratic Party not love Zohran Mamdani?

31 Dec 2025, 02:55 by Bhagyashree Garekar · The Straits Times

Summary

Zohran Mamdani won the New York City mayoral election, boosting Democrats after Trump's victories but exposing party divisions. His policies caught voters' imagination.
Mamdani's DSA ties and stance on Israel caused unease among Democrat leaders like Schumer and Obama, despite his win.
Analysts suggest Mamdani will likely moderate due to funding needs and community concerns, but his tactics offer lessons for Democrats nationwide.

AUSTIN – Few Democrats in 2025 captured as much national and international attention as Mr Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old Uganda-born son of Indian immigrants who will be sworn in at midnight on New Year's Eve as the mayor of New York City.

The personable Mr Mamdani, a charismatic speaker with a savvy social media presence, holds promise for his party, which is leaderless and adrift during President Donald Trump’s second term.