Momentous victory as New York City’s inaugural Muslim mayor has generated worldwide responses — ranging from elation in Uganda to apprehension in Israel, to rejoicing among European leftists, and even commendation from an Iranian legislator and a Hamas social media account.
The 34-year-old Democratic Socialist, born in Uganda to Indian parents, has become an emblem of a fresh, intersectional left — and a focal point for arguments regarding socialism, Israel and U.S. foreign policy.
In Uganda’s capital of Kampala, Ugandans informed Digital that Zohran Mamdani’s success as New York City’s initial Muslim mayor “felt like a native triumph.” Although his family departed Uganda when he was an infant, many in the East African nation assert they perceive him as one of their own — evidence that Ugandans and immigrants alike can ascend to global leadership.
Siraje Kifamba Nsamba, a social worker at Uganda’s Islamic Center for Education and Research, stated Mamdani “has established history for Uganda.”
“He did not conceal his identity as Ugandan by birth,” Nsamba commented. “Against all adversities, he shattered every record. He demonstrated to the world that you can originate from here and lead anywhere.”
Nsamba also noted that — founded on pledges of rent freezes, complimentary public transport, and economical living — resonated not solely with struggling New Yorkers but equally with Ugandans who discerned in him an instance of immigrant accomplishment.
“It motivates numerous young individuals here,” he affirmed. “He’s an exemplar that you can emerge from home and become a leader in any domain.”
Another Ugandan citizen articulated: “I wish to exclaim loudly because we lost such a remarkable leader to New York. We’ve missed out because we believe in a framework where a classless society exists, where the wealthy labor for the impoverished… New York, I wish to tell you there are more Mamdanis here in Kampala, more for you”.
A Kampala rapper and local politician reiterated that pride, labeling Mamdani’s success “a triumph for artists, visionaries, and newcomers.” Tom Mayanja, a musician recognized by his stage name The Myth UG, recalled interviewing Mamdani years prior and remembering him as “focused, perceptive, and deliberate.”
Elsewhere, global responses to Mamdani’s triumph were varied, indicating both admiration and concern.
Jusoor News, a pan-Arab media agency, disseminated material from Hamas-affiliated Telegram channels extolling Mamdani’s victory as “a moral win for humanitarian governance.”
The Hamas-connected channel Kol al-Hakika characterized Mamdani as “a and an adversary of Israel,” asserting “all are celebrating following the significant victory of Mamdani.” Other accounts associated with terrorist groups depicted the outcome as “an alteration in Western authority frameworks.”
In Israel, responses were considerably harsher. , Israel’s Minister of Diaspora Affairs, stated New York “entrusted its leadership to a proponent of Hamas,” cautioning that “New York will fundamentally differ, particularly for its Jewish population,” and advising Jewish New Yorkers to relocate to Israel.
Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir declared that Mamdani’s election “will eternally be recalled as an instance where antisemitism prevailed over rationality,” labeling him “a proponent of Hamas” and “an adversary of Israel.”
In Iran, legislator Abolqasem Jarareh commented that Mamdani’s success indicated “the potency of the rallying cry ‘Death to Israel.’”
In the U.K., extended felicitations to Mamdani on X, declaring, “New Yorkers encountered a distinct option – between optimism and apprehension – and mirroring what occurred in London – optimism triumphed.”
Jeremy Corbyn, the former leader of the Labour Party and a prominent figure on the hard left, who has faced accusations of antisemitism and volunteered for Mamdani’s campaign, penned, “This represents a momentous triumph — not exclusively for the inhabitants of New York, but for everyone who holds faith in the ultimate victory of compassion and optimism.”
French MEP Manon Aubry, co-chair of the Left bloc in the European Parliament, “a considerable infusion of optimism in the Trump era.”
“He triumphed over the media, economic, and political establishment, which expended tens of millions of dollars to obstruct his progress,” Aubry remarked, also commending his unwillingness “to ignore racism and Gaza,” she added.
, head of the leftist NDP, Jagmeet Singh posted on X, “During a period when prospects appear so heavily arrayed against working-class individuals, the populace of New York achieved a historic accomplishment.”
Adriana James-Rodil provided contributions to this piece.