How Zohran Mamdani charmed New York

Today in Focus

The Guardian

Daily News, News

4.6 • 5.7K Ratings

🗓️ 4 November 2025

⏱️ 31 minutes

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Summary

Guardian US writer Adam Gabbatt and columnist Mehdi Hasan explore how Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani came from nowhere to the brink of becoming mayor of New York City. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Transcript

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0:00.0	This is The Guardian.
0:08.0	Today, why all eyes are on New York for the hottest Merrill race in memory.
0:17.0	It's polling day in New York City.
0:23.6	And for the first time in decades, the race to become New York mayor has people everywhere talking,
0:29.6	arguing, hoping for what could be the most radical victory for a guy that just months ago,
0:35.6	barely anyone had heard of. Zoran Mamdani.
0:40.3	He absolutely does not want to see Zemdami.
0:46.3	Zoran Madami.
0:47.3	His name is Zoran Mandani.
0:51.3	The name is Mamdani.
0:53.3	M. A.M.D.A.N-I. You should learn how to say it because we got to get it right.
1:00.7	Mamdani, the socialist Muslim child of immigrants, is on the precipice of winning one of the biggest jobs in American politics.
1:07.6	He could be in charge of the country's biggest city, home to more than 8 million
1:10.9	people with a police force the size of the Belgian army and a budget of over $100 billion.
1:17.0	And by the way, he's only 34. But this isn't just about the numbers. It's about everything
1:23.9	else Mamdani brings to the table. What will a Mamdani win mean beyond New York City?
1:30.6	And could he kickstart a fight back against Donald Trump?
1:37.5	From The Guardian, I'm Nashin-Eqbal.
1:40.6	Today in focus, Zora and Mamdani's bid for New York City.
1:49.6	Adam Gabbat, you're a reporter for the Garden US, and you live in New York.
1:54.3	Can you talk about the first time you came across Zaran Mbarnu?
1:58.9	Yeah, so I think a little bit of backstory is important.
	...

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