'Democrat saviour' or 'commie bastard': Mamdani, would-be king of New York

The 34-year-old socialist set to become the Big Apple's first Muslim mayor may be the left's greatest hope - and biggest threat. Hugh Tomlinson joins the new star of US politics on the campaign trail

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Even in New York City, where celebrity sightings are commonplace, a wave of cheers and insults followed Zohran Mamdani as he swept through Union Square Park last week, an armada of reporters and cameramen at his heels.

"We love you," a young woman yelled, punching the air as the front-runner to be the mayor of America's biggest city strode by at pace. Sporting a broad grin, Mamdani turned mid-conversation to catch the voice, then pressed on. Other bystanders leaned in, eager to deliver their verdict on the country's hottest political star.

"Fuck you, Mamdani," one man called. "Commie bastard."

As Mamdani dived down the steps of the 14th Street subway station, half the park was still watching the vanishing entourage.

"Viva Mamdani," cheered a man with dreadlocks, pulling approvingly on a joint. "He's the king of New York!"

In less than a year, the 34-year-old Democratic socialist has rocketed from unknown New York assemblyman to the brightest new star in American politics.

Charismatic and articulate, a master of the TikTok soundbite and freewheeling podcast debate, Mamdani trounced his nearest rival, 67-year-old former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, in the June primary with an energetic campaign focused on the cost of living crisis. His victory electrified the New York electorate and reverberated from coast to coast. Born in Uganda with Indian roots, the son of an Oscar-nominated film director and university professor is now poised to become the first Muslim mayor of New York.

A frenzied, ugly campaign to derail his march into city hall has seen him smeared as "an animal", a terrorist, a Nazi and a communist as the race nears its climax. With less than a fortnight until polling day on 4 November, however, Mamdani still holds a double-digit lead over Cuomo - now running as an independent - and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa.