By Okon Ekpenyong

American rap mogul Shawn Corey “Jay-Z” Carter once expressed in his timeless classic “Empire State of Mind,” featuring R&B singer Alicia Keys, “If I can make it here, I can make it anywhere. In the concrete jungle, New York is where dreams are made, and there’s nothing you can’t do.” This sentiment holds for Zohran Kwame Mamdani, who recently triumphed over former Governor Andrew Cuomo to secure victory in the 2025 Democratic primary for the New York mayoral race.

The current state representative for District 36, which encompasses much of Queens, Mamdani, has shown remarkable resilience. He unseated a former governor and other city officials to become the presumptive Democratic nominee in the 2024 Democratic Primary for the Mayor race. The incumbent mayor, Eric Adams, first ran as a Democrat, but in his re-election campaign, he switched parties to become an independent. Zohran is the son of an immigrant who moved to the United States at seven. He was born in Uganda and briefly lived in South Africa, while his parents originally hail from India before settling in the United States.

At 33 years old, he was once an inspiring rapper whose music reflects his upbringing in Africa and within an immigrant household, capturing the challenges and triumphs he faced. This background allows him to resonate with young and immigrant voters, particularly amid the ongoing discussions about immigration in New York and nationwide. He appeals to those who often feel voiceless.

However, his proposals to tax the wealthiest corporations—and even the most affluent individuals—might be met with resistance. The question remains: can he inspire the aspirations of many and effectively navigate the complexities of a city home to approximately 124 billionaires and numerous corporate headquarters? While potentially unpopular, these taxes could provide much-needed revenue for social programs and infrastructure, benefiting all New Yorkers.

If he engages in dialogue with some of these wealthy individuals, he demonstrates that he genuinely has New York’s best interests at heart. His plans to challenge traditional norms include advocating for more government transparency and reducing the political influence of money. Still, he must be prepared to challenge conventional norms, especially in a city known for its entrenched political agendas.

Zohra, a former foreclosure prevention expert, has dedicated his efforts to helping low-income families, particularly small business owners, find ways to remain in their homes. On his campaign website, the State Representative emphasizes that while New York is the greatest city in the world, the very people who make it vibrant are being priced out. His proposed reforms, which involve reducing small business fines by half and boosting funding for small business support by an impressive 500%, demonstrate a commitment to preserving the city’s character while invigorating its economy. He also highlights that many people overlook the importance of “Mom-and-Pop shops,” which are essential to local communities, and he pledges to work alongside these entrepreneurs to ensure their success.

In addition to supporting small business owners, another campaign vision from Zohran focuses on helping families struggling to keep their homes find resources and ways to stay in a city where “the streetlights, big dreams, and no place in the world could compare,” as Jaz Z brilliantly articulated. Proposals to freeze rents for nearly 50% of the city’s apartments, provide free public transportation, and establish city-run grocery stores have sparked a lively debate.

Some commend the proposal, while others argue that he is misguided, as he is a self-proclaimed democratic socialist fiercely advocating for working-class New Yorkers and challenging the corporate elite. However, Zohran’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity reassures that his authentic leadership will be demonstrated by his ability to collaborate with these corporate figures to secure resources that benefit everyday New Yorkers, regardless of their financial situation.

Besides addressing the city’s housing crisis and foreclosure challenges, Zohra says he wants to make bus fares more affordable, or ideally free, to enhance public transportation accessibility. While he does not advocate for defunding the police, he says that too many NYPD officers are quitting and are overworked. He aims to comprehend the factors contributing to the daily exodus of NYPD officers and seeks a fair solution. “One potential approach to alleviating officers’ deaths linked to mental health issues or domestic assault calls is to incorporate social work and a mental health response team to provide support,” he explained his point on this matter on CNN and MSNBC.

Mamdani secured 432,305 votes in the 2025 Primary Election in New York City, representing 43.5%. In contrast, Cuomo received 361,840 votes or 36.4%. These results and his victory powerfully signal that the city and the world are yearning for change, indicating a desire to break free from the old political establishment and embrace new voices.

Now that the primary election is over and the general election is in a few months, Mamdani will focus on the incumbent, Adams, given the mayor’s scrutiny surrounding his controversies. However, looking at the voting results, New Yorkers are ready for a fresh perspective prioritizing equity, inclusivity, and nurturing the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.

Since Zohra’s victory, numerous local, state, and federal political leaders from the opposing side have expressed negative sentiments toward this presumptive winner. Some have even called for the Trump Administration to revoke his U.S. citizenship due to his pro-Palestine stance, suggesting that his victory could reignite religious conflict in America. Others have labeled him as an “Islamic socialist” or attempted to link him to Islamist terrorist organizations. Despite this rhetoric, Zohra recently told MSNBC that he is as much an American as anyone else, regardless of his faith background. He obtained his citizenship in 2018.

Zohra also says that he intends to fight against antisemitism, anti-Islam sentiments, and anyone who faces ridiculous hate due to their background or faith. As a Muslim in the United States, Zohra knows a thing or two about Rhetoric because of his faith and wants to commit to making the audience feel supported and reassured.

In a city where dreams are cultivated, Zohran Mamdani’s journey from immigrant to political leader embodies the potential for a brighter future. As he stands on the brink of possibly leading one of the world’s most iconic cities, the question remains: Will he leverage the collective energy of New Yorkers to create a truly transformative administration? Only time will tell, but the promise of his vision has already begun to inspire many.

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