On June 25, 2025, in a moment charged with history and excitement, Zohran Mamdani stepped onto the stage to officially claim victory in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary as the party’s nominee for mayor. Speaking to a crowd of energized supporters, Mamdani framed his win as more than just a political achievement—it was the result of a people-powered movement fighting for a city that is truly affordable, just, and equitable for all New Yorkers.

Quoting Nelson Mandela—“It always seems impossible until it is done”—Mamdani celebrated the diverse coalition that brought him to this point: immigrants, first-time voters, essential workers, and everyday residents who believe in a New York where dignity, fairness, and opportunity are guaranteed for everyone. His speech delivered a resounding message of renewed hope, solidarity, and a commitment to transforming the city from the ground up.

Conceding and Unity

He shared that Andrew Cuomo called to concede, emphasizing the need for unity moving forward. Mamdani also thanked Brad Lander for his role in bringing people together. He framed the campaign as a politics of the future—built on partnership and sincerity.

Winning Across the City

With pride, Mamdani celebrated winning a broad coalition:

• From Harlem to Bay Ridge

• From Jackson Heights to Port Richmond

• From Maspeth to Chinatown

“We have won because New Yorkers stood up for a city they can afford,” he said. A city where hard work pays off, where essential needs like rent, childcare, and transportation are not burdens but rights.

A Vision for an Equitable New York

Mamdani painted a picture of a just city:

• Rent-stabilized apartments that are truly stable

• Fast, free buses

• Affordable childcare

• Genuine public safety, not fear-based policing

• A city that rejects Donald Trump’s fascism and stops ICE from deporting neighbors

• A model for a Democratic Party that fights unapologetically for working people

“A life of dignity should not be reserved for the fortunate few.”

A Coalition of Dreamers

Mamdani emphasized this was not his victory alone, but the victory of:

• A Bangladeshi auntie who canvassed until her feet hurt

• An 18-year-old casting their first-ever vote

• A Gambian uncle who finally saw his struggle reflected in a campaign

This victory, he said, is built on hope, solidarity, and relentless work.

Solidarity in Action

Through rain-soaked canvassing, strangers helping strangers, and volunteers tirelessly organizing, Mamdani described a campaign rooted in collective belief in one another and in a better future.

A 13-Mile Walk That Defined the Campaign

He shared a poignant story of walking 13 miles from Inwood to Battery Park on a Friday evening:

• Passing waiters, subway conductors, street musicians, and sanitation workers still hard at work

• This journey symbolized the heartbeat of New York—the constant labor and resilience of everyday people

“Each of these New Yorkers carried a dream with them that night, just as each of us dreams of a New York that is more hopeful and affordable for all.”

A Message to Supporters and Opponents Alike

Addressing everyone—whether they voted for him, for Cuomo, or didn’t vote at all—Mamdani promised:

• “I will fight for a city that works for you.”

• He pledged to be a transparent mayor, listening even to those who disagree with him.

While standing firm in his beliefs about justice and equality, especially regarding global issues, he committed to listening deeply to differing perspectives.

A Call to Renew Democracy

Mamdani reflected on the erosion of faith in democracy, corroded by billionaires, corrupt officials, and authoritarianism. Quoting FDR, he warned how democracies collapse when people face endless insecurity and unemployment.

“But New York, if we’ve made one thing clear, it’s that we need not choose between freedom and fairness.”

This campaign, he said, represents faith renewed—every voter, every volunteer, every step toward a government that serves the people.

The Dawn of a New Day

Mamdani declared:

“We dreamt in the night. And we are now building in the dawn.”

This victory, he said, was delivered by the people—those who knocked on doors, made calls, and stayed committed even when the odds were long.

Personal Thanks

In closing, Mamdani gave heartfelt thanks to:

• His parents, Mira Nair and Mahmood Mamdani

• His wife, Rama Duwaji

• And every supporter who believed when belief was difficult

Marching Forward

“Now let us lead this city into one that is affordable for each and every New Yorker.”

As the speech ended, the applause and cheers of the crowd reflected not only a political victory but the birth of a movement aimed at transforming New York City from the ground up.

( Source: CBS New York | Zohran Mamdani Victory Speech | 2025 NYC Democratic Mayoral Primary | Full Speech )

Zohran Kwame Mamdani is an Ugandan-born, Indian-American Muslim and progressive politician. Born to filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani, Zohran moved to New York City at age seven. As a practicing Muslim, his faith influences his commitment to social justice and equity. He began his career as a foreclosure prevention counselor before being elected to the New York State Assembly in 2020, representing Queens. A member of the Democratic Socialists of America, Mamdani has championed affordable housing, fare-free transit, and immigrant rights. He attended Bowdoin College in Maine, where he co-founded the school's chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP). In June 2025, he made history by winning the NYC Democratic mayoral primary, positioning himself to become the city’s first Muslim mayor. More on Wikipedia and his website.