From Kampala to City Hall: Mamdani’s Historic NYC Victory Prompts Global Praise and Controversy

Zohran Mamdani’s historic win draws admiration and alarm worldwide

Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democratic Socialist born in Uganda to parents of Indian origin, has been elected New York City’s first Muslim mayor. His victory has elicited a wide range of reactions around the globe — from pride in Uganda and celebration among European leftists to sharp criticism from Israeli officials and praise from some unexpected quarters, including an Iranian lawmaker and Telegram channels tied to Hamas.

Roots and platform

Mamdani, who moved from Uganda as an infant, ran on a platform focused on economic relief and progressive reforms — including proposals such as rent freezes, expanded public transit access, and measures to make city living more affordable. Supporters say his campaign speaks to a new, intersectional left and an energized grassroots movement.

Pride in Uganda

In Kampala, many residents told reporters they felt a personal connection to Mamdani’s achievement. Siraje Kifamba Nsamba, a social worker at Uganda’s Islamic Center for Education and Research, said, "He has made history for Uganda." Nsamba added that Mamdani’s openness about his Ugandan birth and his rise to prominence inspired young people who aspire to leadership roles abroad.

"Against all odds, he broke every record. He showed the world that you can come from here and lead anywhere," Nsamba said.

A local musician and politician, Tom Mayanja (known as The Myth UG), described the result as "a triumph for artists, dreamers, and immigrants," recalling Mamdani as focused and deliberate in a past interview.

Condemnation and concern

Not all reactions were celebratory. Several Israeli officials sharply criticized the outcome, accusing Mamdani of sympathies they find troubling. Amichai Chikli, Israel’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs, warned that New York had "handed over its keys to a supporter of Hamas," and Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s National Security Minister, said the election would be remembered by some as a moment when "antisemitism triumphed over common sense." These characterizations reflect the officials’ assessments and have been strongly disputed by Mamdani’s allies.

Similarly, an Iranian lawmaker, Abolqasem Jarareh, told Iran International that the result signaled the strength of the slogan "Death to Israel," a comment that drew attention because of its incendiary tone.

Support from left-wing figures and contested praise

European and international left figures praised the victory. London Mayor Sadiq Khan congratulated Mamdani, saying New Yorkers chose "hope over fear." Former UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who volunteered on Mamdani’s campaign, described the result as "a seismic victory" for those who believe in solidarity and hope. French MEP Manon Aubry celebrated the win as evidence that grassroots politics can overcome well-funded opposition, while Canadian NDP leader Jagmeet Singh framed it as a win for working-class people.

At the same time, some pro-Palestinian and militant-linked Telegram channels hailed Mamdani’s win as a moral or political victory; for example, the account Kol al-Hakika described him as a "supporter of Hamas and a hater of Israel." News outlets and analysts have characterized these posts as coming from Hamas-linked or militant-affiliated sources, and such claims represent external interpretations rather than established fact about Mamdani.

What this reflects

The global reaction to Mamdani’s victory underscores how local elections can become focal points for broader geopolitical and ideological debates — about immigration, economic policy, and foreign policy toward Israel and Palestine. Supporters see the outcome as a triumph for grassroots organizing and representation; critics frame it as a worrying sign about the direction of political discourse in a major global city.

Adriana James-Rodil contributed reporting to this piece.