Mamdani Secures NYC Mayoral Nomination by 12 Points, Youth Support Undeterred by 'Globalize the Intifada' Stance

New York City's Democratic mayoral primary concluded with Zohran Mamdani officially securing the nomination, a victory confirmed by the New York City Board of Elections on Tuesday. Mamdani's win, by a decisive 12-point margin over former Governor Andrew Cuomo, positions him as the presumptive Democratic candidate for the November general election. This outcome unfolds amidst ongoing debate surrounding his refusal to condemn the phrase "globalize the intifada," a stance that, according to a recent social media post, appears to bolster his support among a key demographic.

Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist and current New York State Assembly member, clinched 56% of the ranked-choice votes in the primary, significantly outperforming Cuomo, who garnered 44%. His campaign, built on a platform of affordability and social programs, has energized a new coalition of younger and middle-class voters across the city. The victory marks a notable upset against a long-standing political figure.

The controversy stems from Mamdani's interpretation of the phrase "globalize the intifada." He has described it as a "symbolic call for Palestinian human rights" and not an incitement to violence or antisemitism. However, a tweet from Corey Walker highlighted a different perspective, stating, > "The plurality of 18-44 year olds in NYC say Mamdani's refusal to condemn 'globalize the intifada' makes them 'much more likely' to vote for him in the general election." Walker further expressed concern, adding, > "It's actually terrifying how much support for terrorism has become normalized and mainstreamed among the youth."

Mamdani's position has drawn sharp criticism from some Jewish community leaders and political figures, who view the term as a call to violence. The New York Times observed that Mamdani's primary success suggests "outspoken opposition to Israel and its government — and even questioning its existence as a Jewish state — is increasingly acceptable to broader swaths of the party." Mamdani has consistently stated he abhors antisemitism and acknowledges Israel's right to exist as a state with equal rights for all its citizens.

Looking ahead to November, Mamdani will face incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent after opting out of the Democratic primary, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Former Governor Cuomo has not yet ruled out an independent run, further complicating the general election landscape. Mamdani's platform includes proposals for rent freezes, increased public housing, and free public transit, aiming to address New York City's high cost of living.