Zohran Mamdani’s stunning victory in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary has set off a fierce political battle. The 33-year-old progressive, known for championing rent freezes, free public transit, and a pro-Palestinian stance, now faces escalating attacks from Republican lawmakers and Trump allies. Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles has called for a federal probe into Mamdani’s citizenship status, while former Trump border chief Tom Homan has threatened an aggressive crackdown on sanctuary cities, singling out Mamdani by name.
00:01New York City, a melting pot of culture, ambition and diversity, where politics often stirs deep passions.
00:11In the wake of one of the most contentious democratic primaries in recent history, a political firestorm has erupted.
00:19At the center of it all, Zohran Mamdani.
00:22We stand on the verge of a victory that will resonate across the country and the world.
00:30Make no mistake, this victory will be historic not just because of who I am, a Muslim immigrant and a proud democratic socialist,
00:39but for what we will do, make this city affordable for everyone.
00:46Because after this rally, as many of us sleep, millions of our neighbors will step out onto moonlit streets across our city.
00:55Nurses working the night shift will put on their scrubs and save lives.
01:00Office buildings will be made new again as the midnight shift scrubs and polishes in the dark.
01:07Mamdani, a 33-year-old rising star in New York politics, recently won the Democratic primary for the city's mayoral race.
01:15As an Assembly member since 2021, Mamdani's progressive agenda, from city-run grocery stores to freezing rent hikes and expanding free public transportation has made him a popular figure among many.
01:31And so here are five reasons why you should vote for us by June 24th.
01:35The first, we're going to freeze the rent for more than 2 million rent-stabilized tenants.
01:38We're going to make the slowest buses in the country fast and free, deliver universal childcare, guarantee cheaper groceries, and we're going to topple a political dynasty to the Andrew Cuomo back to the suburbs.
01:48Head to Zohran for nyc.com forward slash events, sign up for a campus near you.
01:52But with his victory, Mamdani has also become a lightning rod for controversy.
01:59His pro-Palestinian stance and outspoken views on Israel have placed him under intense scrutiny, drawing the ire of conservative critics.
02:10Republican lawmakers and affiliated groups have wasted no time in calling for a federal investigation into Mamdani's citizenship status.
02:19Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles even went so far as to suggest that Mamdani may have obtained his citizenship through misrepresentation, urging the federal government to revoke it.
02:33And amid calls for probe and deportation, U.S. President Donald Trump's borders are, Tom Homan issued a warning to Zohran Mamdani, saying that immigration enforcement will double down and triple down on sanctuary cities.
02:48Homan added that if immigration enforcement officials can't arrest people in jail, they would find them in neighbourhoods or worksites, adding, so game on, we are coming.
03:00These radical calls have been fuelled by accusations that Mamdani's views could bring about a dangerous shift in New York City's future.
03:10Far-right commentator Laura Loomer even warned that the city could face another 9-11 under Mamdani's leadership.
03:16Many of Mamdani's critics point to his political views on Israel and Palestine as a major reason for their hostility.
03:24Some have labelled him a communist or even a terrorist sympathiser.
03:29There is a reason why the billionaire class and their super PACs are working overtime to defeat Zohran Mamdani, who are mayor of New York City.
03:40And that is that they are scared to death that New York, the largest city in America, might actually have a mayor who stands with working families and is prepared to take on powerful special interests.
03:51Look, everybody knows the oligarchs, the establishment, they are extraordinarily powerful.
03:57They have unlimited amounts of money.
03:59But the one thing they don't have is the people.
04:02And that's what we have.
04:04But that doesn't work unless people are organised, unless they come out to vote in large numbers.
04:09So in the next few days, let's do everything that we can to see that Zohran is elected mayor of New York.
04:15Despite the harsh rhetoric from his opponents, Mamdani supporters see him as a progressive force for change.
04:23They argue that his ideas, tackling inequality, addressing housing affordability and building a more inclusive New York, resonate with the city's working class population.
04:35As the mayoral race head towards November, Zohran Mamdani stands at a crossroad.
04:40Will Zohran Mamdani become the leader of New York City or will the political firestorm that has engulfed his campaign prove too much?
04:49Only time will tell.
04:51But one thing is clear.
04:53The city's mayoral race is far from over and the stakes have never been higher.
05:10So the city's mayoral race is far from over and the cobwebid.
05:14Been here with Councilor of West Country.
05:16The city's mayoral race is far from over and the place.
05:17He may be cultural race has never been medical school in the state.
05:19And one thing now has never had never been Borderlands, one thing that toughness, one thing that he can to see.
05:21I find one thing that's been a lovely Mason Street.
