Zohran Mamdani takes lead in New York mayor race


Cody Combs
  • English
  • Arabic

Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim socialist state assembly member running to become New York City's mayor, has taken the lead against former governor Andrew Cuomo, according to a new poll.

Mr Mamdani secured the support of 35 per cent of those surveyed to Mr Cuomo's 31 per cent, according to data from Public Policy Polling, first reported by Politico.

Before this particular poll, most surveys showed Mr Mamdani closely trailing Mr Cuomo.

“All gas, no brakes,” Mr Mamdani's campaign posted to X, referring to the new numbers showing an increasingly competitive race. “Only you can make this poll a reality.”

Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks during a Democratic mayoral primary debate in New York. Reuters
Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks during a Democratic mayoral primary debate in New York. Reuters

If victorious in the June 24 primary election, Mr Mamdani stands a good chance in heavily Democratic New York of winning the general election in November and becoming the city's first Muslim mayor.

He recently accused Mr Cuomo of Islamophobia, alleging that a political action committee supporting the former New York governor had doctored a photo of him by artificially lengthening and darkening his beard.

“This is blatant Islamophobia – the kind of racism that explains why MAGA billionaires support his campaign,” Mr Mamdani posted to X, referring to US President Donald Trump's Make America Great Again movement.

He has had a rapid ascent in his pursuit of the mayoralty. His frequent video output on social media has made him popular with younger voters, while his socialist leanings have bolstered his support among New York Democrats who feel the national party has moved too far to the centre of the ideological spectrum.

Mr Mamdani, 33, promises to lower the cost of living in New York City by freezing rent prices, providing universal day care and making the bus system free.

In a recent debate, he said he would achieve all those things by raising taxes on the wealthiest 1 per cent of New Yorkers.

Though the recent poll showing a lead will be welcome news for Mr Mamdani's supporters, they should not take a victory lap yet.

The primary will use ranked-choice voting, which means a series of run-offs will take place, with the candidate in last place each round eliminated and his or her votes redistributed based on voters' second choice.

What that means is that polling in this particular race and predicting a winner is murky at best.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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The low down

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Derby County 0

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  5. Jamaican porridge: another breakfast favourite, can be made with peanut, cornmeal, banana and plantain
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  7. Hellshire Pon di Beach: Fresh fish with pickles
  8. Out of Many: traditional sweet potato pudding
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Catchweight 82kg
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Women’s bantamweight
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Flyweight
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Catchweight 80kg​​​​​​​
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Lightweight
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Lightweight
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Featherweight
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Super heavyweight
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'Peninsula'

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'Outclassed in Kuwait'
Taleb Alrefai, 
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RESULT

Shabab Al Ahli Dubai 0 Al Ain 6
Al Ain: Caio (5', 73'), El Shahat (10'), Berg (65'), Khalil (83'), Al Ahbabi (90' 2)

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Arsenal 2-2 Crystal Palace (Oct 27, PL)

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Gabrieli Pessanha (Brazil)

Reigning Abu Dhabi World Pro champion in the 95kg division, virtually unbeatable in her weight class. Known for her pressure game but also dangerous with her back on the mat.

Nathiely de Jesus, 23, (Brazil)

Two-time World Pro champion renowned for her aggressive game. She is tall and most feared by her opponents for both her triangles and arm-bar attacks.

Thamara Ferreira, 24, (Brazil)

Since her brown belt days, Ferreira has been dominating the 70kg, in both the World Pro and the Grand Slams. With a very aggressive game.

Samantha Cook, 32, (Britain)

One of the biggest talents coming out of Europe in recent times. She is known for a highly technical game and bringing her A game to the table as always.

Kendall Reusing, 22, (USA)

Another young gun ready to explode in the big leagues. The Californian resident is a powerhouse in the -95kg division. Her duels with Pessanha have been highlights in the Grand Slams.

Martina Gramenius, 32, (Sweden)

Already a two-time Grand Slam champion in the current season. Gramenius won golds in the 70kg, in both in Moscow and Tokyo, to earn a spot in the inaugural Queen of Mats.

 

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Rock in a Hard Place: Music and Mayhem in the Middle East
Orlando Crowcroft
Zed Books

MATCH DETAILS

Juventus 2 (Bonucci 36, Ronaldo 90 6)

Genoa 1 (Kouame 40)

'Shakuntala Devi'

Starring: Vidya Balan, Sanya Malhotra

Director: Anu Menon

Rating: Three out of five stars

Updated: June 12, 2025, 6:22 PM`