New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has declared victory in the Democratic primaries, following previous favourite Andrew Cuomo’s concession. He has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, and is endorsed by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders.
In May, Mamdani announced a three point plan to protect the rights of Queer New Yorkers. His plans included expanding and protecting gender-affirming care citywide, investing $65m in public providers, making NYC an LGBTQIA+ “Sanctuary City”, and creating the ‘Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs’.
In a statement on his social media, Mamdani expanded on his idea for an LGBTQ+ ‘sanctuary city’, writing: “No one should face persecution or be denied care on the basis of their identity. Zohran will strengthen and uphold the rights of Queer and Trans New Yorkers through multiple sanctuary protections.”
He’s also been endorsed by several LGBTQ+ celebrities. Posting to Instagram on election day, Queer actress Cynthia Nixon, who is most well known for playing Miranda Hobbes on Sex and the City and And Just Like That…, told followers that she had “never been more excited to vote for anyone than I am to vote for Zohran Mamdani.”
She also encouraged followers not to “rank Cuomo”, referencing the preferential voting system in place for the mayoral primaries. Cuomo previously served as Governor of New York, and was challenged by Nixon in the 2018 gubernatorial election. In 2021, Cuomo was accused of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour by multiple women, allegations he denied.
In an endorsement video with Trans actress Laverne Cox, Mamdani said: “It is absolutely disgusting what this federal administration is doing. They are looking to erase Trans folks from the very fabric of this country. And it’s up to us to show what leadership can look like.”
If Mamdani wins the election, he will become New York’s first Muslim mayor. His success is being seen as a win for liberal politics worldwide.
The Republicans did not hold a primary election – Curtis Silwa will be the Republican nominee for the election day in November.
