What Zohran Mamdani’s Win Means for South Asian New Yorkers

Hundreds of people crowded into the room, bopping along to “Nani,” “Mundian To Bach Ke,” and “Overnight Celebrity,” as they awaited the man of the hour. He finally appeared at 11:19 p.m. to resounding chants of “Zohran.”

“We will make this city one that working people will love again,” Zohran Mamdani thundered. “To my parents, ma and baba, you have made me into the man I am today, I am so proud to be your son.” He quoted India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, known for his secularism, and ended the night with the soundtrack that has taken over the recent Louvre heist news, “Dhoom Machale,” showing off his characteristic social media savvy. 

For South Asian New Yorkers, Mamdani’s win means many things all at once. It’s a win for representation; he is, after all, the city’s first Asian, South Asian, Indian, and Muslim mayor, beating out former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo by a large margin. For South Asians globally, his overt pride at being Indian and Muslim is a much-needed breath of fresh air. But, for others, his win also brought up complicated feelings for the road ahead.