In a stunning turn of events, Zohran Mamdani wins NYC mayoral primary, defying all early predictions by securing 56 percent of the vote in the July 1 Democratic primary. The first-term New York State Assembly member and Democratic Socialist achieved this result with a vibrant grassroots campaign fueled by multilingual outreach and culturally resonant digital media.
When polling began in early 2025, Mamdani was virtually unknown in the race, with just 1 percent of projected support. But over the next few months, his team’s strategic use of language-inclusive videos changed the game. One standout moment came when Zohran Mamdani wins NYC mayoral primary buzz began growing after a viral video showed him mimicking Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan while explaining ranked-choice voting through mango lassi to a South Asian audience.
The viral moment was not just a gimmick; it was emblematic of his campaign’s deep cultural reach. Zohran Mamdani wins NYC mayoral primary with help from digital content produced in languages like Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Arabic, and Spanish, targeting the 2.5 million New Yorkers who struggle with English fluency. These videos were designed not just to inform, but to build trust and relatability across immigrant and working-class neighborhoods.
Mamdani’s approach extended beyond language. He collaborated with creative groups like Melted Solids to craft a campaign aesthetic rooted in the colors, fonts, and signage familiar to local communities. Instead of the traditional red, white, and blue, his campaign used purples and yellows, and graphics that mirrored corner store designs. One video surpassed 3.5 million views on X, with a follow-up recap earning 5.7 million.
The momentum from these efforts helped explain how Zohran Mamdani wins NYC mayoral primary, drawing heavy support from South Asian communities in Ozone Park and Jamaica Hills, Latino voters in Corona and Pelham Bay, and Chinese residents in Flushing and Bensonhurst. His Bengali-language collaboration with Council Member Shahana Hanif also stood out, especially given Mamdani’s earnest effort to speak Bangla, which resonated with many.
Commentators like Queens College professor Soniya Munshi said Mamdani’s campaign videos did more than go viral — they sparked important conversations inside immigrant households. One elderly Bangladeshi voter stated simply, “I love him. I think he will be a good mayor.”
Though Zohran Mamdani wins NYC mayoral primary, the journey is far from over. He now faces incumbent Eric Adams, who has support from former President Donald Trump. But Mamdani’s message of affordability, cultural connection, and community voice may keep his momentum alive.
Media expert Mara Einstein summarized it well: “No marketing, no matter how good, can sell a bad product. Mamdani is offering something real — and people are buying.” With five months until the general election, Zohran Mamdani wins NYC mayoral primary not just with messaging, but with meaning.
