Indian-origin leaders score big in US elections: Mamdani elected NYC mayor, Hashmi wins Virginia

In a milestone moment for Indian-origin representation in American politics, Democrat Ghazala F. Hashmi and Zohran Mamdani secured landmark victories in two of the United States’ most closely watched elections. Hashmi won the race for lieutenant governor in Virginia, while Mamdani was elected as New York City’s first Muslim mayor, both making history in their own right.

Millions of voters across the country cast their ballots in the first major electoral race of President Donald Trump’s second term. In New York City, 34-year-old Mamdani, a Democrat of Indian descent born in Uganda, defeated independent candidate and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, as well as Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. In Virginia, Democrat Abigail Spanberger won the governor’s race, defeating Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears to become the first woman to lead the commonwealth, while Hashmi triumphed in the lieutenant governor’s contest.

Born in Hyderabad, India, Hashmi’s victory marks a historic first; she is now the first Muslim woman ever elected to statewide office in United States history. Reflecting on her journey, she said she ran “as an American” and wanted people “to accept her for what she is.” Hashmi will succeed Earle-Sears in the role, cementing a new chapter of inclusion in Virginia’s political landscape.

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Mamdani’s rise from local activist to New York City’s top office

Zohran Mamdani’s election as New York mayor caps an extraordinary journey for the left-leaning lawmaker who emerged from relative obscurity to lead a dynamic campaign across the city. Since his surprise Democratic primary victory in June, his smiling, bearded face became a familiar sight on television and on campaign badges worn by supporters across the five boroughs.

Born in Uganda to Indian-origin parents, acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and scholar Mahmood Mamdani, he moved to the United States at the age of seven and became a naturalised citizen in 2018. A graduate of the Bronx High School of Science and Bowdoin College in Maine, Mamdani initially dabbled in music under the alias “Young Cardamom” before turning to community work as a foreclosure prevention counsellor.

Elected in 2018 to represent Queens in the New York State Assembly, Mamdani built a reputation as a progressive Muslim politician, equally at home at Pride marches and Eid gatherings. His campaign focused on affordability, pledging expanded rent control, free day care, city-run neighbourhood grocery stores, and better public transport.

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A long-time supporter of the Palestinian cause, Mamdani has faced criticism for his outspoken views on Israel and the war in Gaza. President Donald Trump labelled him “a little communist” and “a self-professed Jew hater” on polling day — remarks Mamdani dismissed as divisive rhetoric.

Despite the attacks, Mamdani’s message of inclusivity and reform resonated widely, galvanising disaffected voters seeking change from establishment politics. Political observers note that his blend of grassroots activism and digital savvy powered one of the most dynamic campaigns in recent city history.