With less than a month remaining until the New York City mayoral election on November 4, Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani visited two temples in Flushing, Queens, reaffirming his Hindu roots while highlighting his multicultural heritage. Mamdani, whose mother is Hindu and father Ugandan academic Mahmood Mamdani, described himself as both Muslim and proud of his Hindu heritage, expressing admiration for the faith, its traditions, and the value of seva (service). He noted that his upbringing allowed him to deeply understand Hinduism while embracing his own Muslim identity.
During his visit, Mamdani pledged to enhance linguistic access across New York City, committing to fund non-profits that facilitate multilingual communication and ensuring they are adequately compensated. He emphasized providing city services and information in languages including Nepali, Tibetan, Hindi, Gujarati, and Punjabi, aiming to improve inclusion for immigrant communities. Additionally, he vowed to oppose federal immigration enforcement, criticizing the fear induced by ICE actions nationwide. Mamdani positioned himself as a candidate who would stand up for residents, contrasting his approach with that of incumbent officials who, he claimed, coordinated with national figures such as Donald Trump.
Mamdani’s campaign momentum appears strong, as a Suffolk University CityView poll conducted between September 16 and 18 shows him leading the mayoral race by 20 points over his nearest rival. He enjoys widespread support among Black, Hispanic, and Asian voters, resonating on key issues such as affordability, crime, and job opportunities. Despite negative claims from opponents suggesting he is antisemitic or anti-business, the poll indicates that voters have largely rejected these attacks. This survey marks the first to include all seven certified candidates and their ballot affiliations, solidifying Mamdani’s position as the frontrunner in the New York City mayoral contest.
