By Shamsi Ali Al-Nuyorki
In less than three weeks, New York City will hold its quadrennial democratic festival to determine who will lead the city for the next four years. New York City is always a global talking point for many reasons, two of which are its role as home to the United Nations and Wall Street, the world's financial hub.
The upcoming mayoral election on November 4 is not just about choosing the next mayor; it’s a crucial moment in shaping the city's future. As one of the world's oldest cities, New York is at a crossroads, requiring rejuvenation in many areas. One key aspect is political participation among young people who have become disillusioned and disconnected from the political process.
The urgency for renewal is evident in the current electoral dynamics. How will the youthful energy and immigrant communities, who were notably active in supporting Zohran Mamdani during the Democratic primary, engage in the general election? Mamdani's decisive win in the primary is a testament to the changing times.
It's worth noting that the New York City mayoral election is considered one of the most important elections in the US, second only to the presidential election. Cuomo's decision to run as an independent candidate despite his landslide loss in the Democratic primary raises questions about his motives. As a former governor and the son of a former governor, he would feel embarrassed to be defeated by a young newcomer, especially a Muslim one. Cuomo's mindset can be seen in the attitude of some Democratic Party leaders in New York, like Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer, who have yet to fully endorse their party's candidate, Zohran Mamdani. It's also evident in the stance of oligarchs who support Cuomo while threatening to leave New York City if Zohran Mamdani wins the mayoral election.
Why Mamdani, not Cuomo?
The question that arises in many people's minds is what are the most important reasons for choosing Zohran Mamdani over Cuomo?
Below are ten important reasons briefly listed on why Zohran Mamdani should be elected the next mayor of New York City:
First, at 33 years old, Zohran represents the young generation in New York City, making him the face of the future, whereas Cuomo represents the old and the past.
Second, as an immigrant who arrived in the city at age seven, born in Uganda, Africa, of Indian descent from South Asia, Zohran Mamdani embodies the face of New York City. The city, like America, was built and raised by immigrants from diverse racial, ethnic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds. Cuomo, on the other hand, represents the old immigrant wave (Italian) that has dominated New York City politics.
Third, New York City is one of the most expensive cities globally, and its residents are mostly working-class people. With his "affordability" platform, Zohran Mamdani represents the majority of New York City's residents. In contrast, Cuomo is backed by oligarchs seeking to maintain their grip on the city's capitalist hub.
Fourth, Global politics have long been dominated by outdated political behavior that often collaborates with capital owners. Zohran Mamdani challenges this system and style of outdated politics, which has become a powerful magnet for young people and millennials. Cuomo represents the outdated and boring face of politics.
Fifth, We've been trapped for so long by a public life system based on Western capitalism, which leads to injustice in various aspects of community life, particularly in the economy. The rich get richer, and the poor get poorer. Zohran offers a "socialist" approach aiming for equality for all people, or in other words, social justice for all citizens. Cuomo adheres to capitalism and collaborates with oligarchs to manipulate city wealth for a few individuals.
Sixth, We feel strongly that universal values are often used as mere slogans for political interests. The value of justice for all is used as a lure or even a deception to attract support from citizens who have been victims of injustice. Zohran Mamdani shows commitment and consistency in upholding these universal values, unhesitatingly supporting marginalized and oppressed members of the society. Cuomo even collaborates with those who trample and demean these universal values, including working with Donald Trump and his supporters in this mayoral election.
Seven, the main aspect of Zohran Mamdani's commitment and consistency to universal values is his defense of the oppressed and marginalized. We're reminded of his struggle in defending taxi drivers who were treated unfairly. He even supported decriminalizing sex workers, not to legalize prostitution, but to humanize those trapped in the industry, whether due to economic pressure or human trafficking. Zohran's stance on this issue has been controversial and misinterpreted, even used by his opponents as a political weapon against him. In contrast, Cuomo stuck to a "political convenience" approach without a comprehensive and humane solution.
Eight, beside his commitment and consistency to universal values, Zohran Mamdani is also a politician who prioritizes conscience and humanity. This is what makes him unwavering in defending the Palestinian people, especially Gaza citizens who have been victims of genocide over the past two years. His courage and uncompromising stance in defending truth, humanity, and justice make him what I call an "unconventional politician”. In contrast, Cuomo not only supports genocide in Gaza but also defends Benjamin Netanyahu, who was accused by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as a war criminal.
Ninth, Despite Cuomo's mockery of his lack of experience, Zohran Mamdani has proven his ability to run an extraordinary campaign, increasing his popularity from 2% to defeating Cuomo, who initially had 45% popularity. Zohran Mamdani has not only built a political campaign but also a movement for change that shakes the politics of New York City, America, and the world. Cuomo, on the other hand, seems embarrassed by forcing himself to run in the mayoral election.
Tenth, Zohran Mamdani wants to solve various problems in New York City with a rational and comprehensive approach. One of them is solving safety concerns and homelessness in the city not just through a security approach, but through a socio-economic approach (freeze rent, free and faster buses, government-managed groceries, universal healthcare, etc.). Even through a humanitarian approach based on compassion by preparing more mental health professionals. This approach has been accused by his political opponents of being anti-police, including "police defund". Cuomo, on the other hand, will further strengthen the security approach that often end in brutality and injustice towards the marginalized members of the society.
These are some important reasons why Zohran Mamdani is very deserving to be elected as the next Mayor of New York City compared to former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Indeed, for the Muslim community in New York City, it's also because Zohran is a Muslim who proudly embraces his faith. For the Muslim community, his election would be a historic moment that will be remembered forever. Nevertheless, Zohran Mamdani is the first Muslim mayoral candidate for all New York City residents. Like past mayors such as Bloomberg who is Jewish, Bill de Blasio who is Catholic, Eric Adams who is Christian, Zohran who is Muslim will be the Mayor for all citizens of this beloved city.
Together, we will ensure that Zohran Mamdani is elected to lead New York City to become stronger and more beautiful. God willing!
New York City, October 14, 2025
*A Proud New Yorker