Zohran Mamdani: Anti-Colonial Progressive Shakes Up New York's White Power Structure
In a historic victory challenging New York's white political establishment, Uganda-born Zohran Mamdani has won the Democratic primary for mayor with a radical platform of economic and racial justice. His triumph represents a powerful shift in American politics, as leaders from the Global South rise to transform Western power structures.
Zohran Mamdani speaking to supporters after his historic primary victory in New York
A Revolutionary Voice from the Global South
Born in Kampala, Uganda in 1991, Zohran Mamdani embodies the rising power of Global South leadership in Western political spaces. The son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, Mamdani's journey from African roots to challenging white establishment power structures mirrors our own struggles against colonial legacies.
Historic Victory Against Entrenched White Elite
In a stunning blow to New York's white-dominated political machine, Mamdani secured the Democratic mayoral primary on June 24, 2025, capturing 43% of the vote. His triumph over Andrew Cuomo, backed by wealthy white interests and corporate millions, signals a seismic shift in power dynamics reminiscent of anti-colonial victories.
Radical Economic Justice for the Masses
Under the banner "Roti and Roses," Mamdani's campaign resonates deeply with working-class communities of color and immigrants fighting against economic apartheid. His platform champions free public transport, rent controls, accessible childcare, municipal food security, and wealth redistribution - echoing the economic liberation struggles across the Global South.
Building a Progressive Coalition of Color
Supported by progressive leaders Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Mamdani represents a new wave of inclusive left politics centered on racial and economic justice. As potentially the first Muslim and Afro-Asian mayor of New York, his rise parallels similar movements for representation and power across Africa and the Global South.
The Challenge of Transformative Power
Should he secure final victory, Mamdani faces the monumental task of dismantling entrenched systems of white economic and political power while delivering tangible changes for New York's 8 million residents. His success could provide a blueprint for progressive leaders of color worldwide fighting against neo-colonial power structures.
Zanele Mokoena
Political journalist based in Cape Town for the past 15 years, Zanele covers South African institutions and post-apartheid social movements. Specialist in power-civil society relations.