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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Lauren Gambino and Alaina Demopoulos in New York

A roadmap to beat Trump? How rise of Zohran Mamdani is dividing Democrats

Composite image of Zohran Mamdani smiling and gesturing with outstretched hands against a backdrop of Manhattan's skyline
If elected in November, Mamdani would be the first Muslim mayor in New York City’s history. Composite: Getty Images / Guardian design

The Friday night before election day, Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old democratic socialist running for mayor of New York City, walked the length of Manhattan, from Inwood Hill Park at its northern tip to the Battery – about 13 miles. Along the way, he was greeted by a stream of New Yorkers enjoying the sticky summer night – men rose from their folding chairs to shake his hand, drivers honked in support and diners leapt up to snap a selfie with the would-be leader of their city.

A feelgood video of his trek, produced by Mamdani’s campaign, captures the “only in New York” quality of his ascendance, from little-known assembly member to the all-but-official Democratic nominee for mayor of America’s largest city.

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