Zohran Mamdani's victory in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary is a seismic wake-up call for a party establishment out of step with younger Americans and failing to counter Donald Trump, analysts say.
The little-known state legislator, a proud "democratic socialist", is now favorite to win November's election and become a major voice in the battle between progressives and the establishment wing for the party's soul.
Mamdani, just 33, was at a lowly one percent in the polls in February, but saw off three-term former New York governor Andrew Cuomo with a populist campaign that has Democrats nationwide taking notice ahead of next year's midterm elections.
"The race shows Democratic voters are growing tired of the same old faces and they're willing to bet on newcomers," said political strategist Andrew Koneschusky, a top former Democratic Senate aide.
"Looking ahead, we may see more competitive Democratic primaries and more upsets like this. That's bad news for establishment Democrats, but can be good for the party overall."
Democrats have struggled to make their case as a credible alternative to Republicans since Kamala Harris's 2024 defeat to Trump — seen in part as repudiation of identity politics and so-called "woke" ideology.
But the man who would be his city's first Muslim mayor embraced his identity, courting the one million New York members of his faith where they live — in the city's many mosques and community centers.
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