US goes to elections - Zohran Mamdani set to become NYC mayor despite opposition from Trump and Musk

US (NYC) goes to elections, with Zohran Mamdani leading polls to become New York City’s next mayor, marking one of the most unexpected political shifts in years. Polls opened at 6 a.m. and will close at 9 p.m. local time, with official results expected by early Wednesday morning (IST Wednesday afternoon).

According to early exit data, Mamdani holds 52%, followed by Andrew Cuomo at 36%, and Curtis Sliwa at 9%. Despite facing fierce opposition from powerful political and business figures, Mamdani’s campaign built on grassroots organizing and online influence appears poised to make history.

Trump and Musk’s pushback

Two of the most influential figures in American life Donald Trump and Elon Musk have openly campaigned against Mamdani in recent weeks, turning the New York mayoral race into a national spectacle.

President Trump labeled Mamdani a “socialist disaster,” accusing him of trying to “turn New York into another failed liberal experiment.” At a rally in Staten Island, Trump urged voters to support Andrew Cuomo, calling him a “strong independent who understands business.” His endorsement, though framed as indirect, effectively positioned Cuomo as the conservative-aligned candidate in an otherwise liberal city.

Elon Musk, meanwhile, took to his platform X (formerly Twitter) to warn that Mamdani’s policies, especially his proposals to raise taxes on luxury real estate and expand free public transit would make New York “anti-innovation” and “hostile to entrepreneurship.” In several viral posts, Musk argued that Mamdani’s economic vision would drive investors away and hurt job growth.

However, rather than slowing Mamdani’s campaign, this elite opposition fueled his narrative as the “people’s candidate.” His calm, often humorous responses, including a viral post captioned “If billionaires are worried, we’re doing something right” resonated deeply with young voters and working-class residents. Political analysts note that the combined criticism from Trump and Musk may have strengthened his outsider image, reinforcing his promise to govern independently from corporate interests.

The People’s candidate

Born in Uganda to Indian parents , Zohran Mamdani is the son of Mira Nair , the internationally acclaimed Indian filmmaker based in New York, and Mahmood Mamdani , a Ugandan scholar and political theorist known for his work on colonialism and African politics. He spent his early childhood in Kampala before moving to the United States, where he studied at Bowdoin College in Maine. His upbringing — shaped by art, activism, and academic discourse — strongly influenced his progressive worldview and his belief in equity and community empowerment.

Unlike typical candidates, Mamdani’s campaign was funded almost entirely through public donations totaling $8 million, contrasting sharply with Cuomo’s $16 million in funding from corporate and conservative Super PACs. His campaign slogan, “From the people, for the people,” became a rallying cry for those frustrated with establishment politics.

Digital connection and a new political language

Mamdani’s rise owes much to his mastery of social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, where he shares short, creative videos featuring Bollywood music and neighborhood stories. His viral anthem, “My Name Is Mamdani,” became an internet hit, symbolizing his fusion of culture, humor, and politics. Through these channels, he transformed apathy into engagement, urging New Yorkers to “go vote” and offering guides on how to find polling places.

This youth-driven campaign helped raise awareness in a city where mayoral elections rarely capture public excitement. As turnout surged in traditionally low-voting districts, analysts credited Mamdani’s digital activism with inspiring a new civic energy across New York.

Mamdani’s platform centered on rent freezes, universal childcare, and free public transport speaks directly to New Yorkers struggling with rising costs and inequality. Critics argue that such measures could strain the city’s finances, but Mamdani insists that “a city as rich as New York cannot afford poverty.”

If the projections hold, and Mamdani is confirmed as New York’s first Muslim and youngest-ever mayor, it will mark a generational shift in the city’s politics. Despite the opposition of America’s most famous billionaire and its most controversial president, New Yorkers appear ready to embrace a leader who speaks their language both literally and digitally.

And as results come in late Tuesday night (Wednesday IST), the world’s attention turns to New York, a city once indifferent to its mayoral races, now standing at the center of a political story shaped not by wealth or power, but by the will of its people.