What Zohran Mamdani's mayoral primary win means for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers
06/26/25
Cynthia Nixon; Zohran Mamdani; Kal Penn at the election night gathering for New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday June 24, 2025.
(All three photos by) Michael M. Santiago/Getty ImagesZohran Mamdani has claimed victory in the Democratic mayoral primary race in New York City, which BBC News calls a "stunning political upset." The Democratic socialist beat out former New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, who had initially led in the polls but conceded to Mamdani by the end of election night.
Mamdani's tactile campaign focused on the working class and expertly mobilized young New Yorkers by speaking directly to them through social media. He also managed to win over older voters by meeting them in places of worship, on TV, and on the streets.
As a member of the New York State Assembly from the 36th district — in Queens — since 2021, Mamdani ran on a platform centering his socialist ideals for New York City: free buses, universal childcare, city-owned grocery stores, and a rent freeze on rent-stabilized apartments. He also advocated for human rights and was outspoken about his views on condemning the war in Gaza, President Donald Trump's decision to bomb Iran, and the disappearance of Mahmoud Khalil, among many other hot-button political issues.
Furthermore, Mamdani made promises to LGBTQ+ New Yorkers and acknowledged the assault on queer and trans people from conservative politicians. To learn more about what Mamdani has said about protecting the rights of New York City residents in the LGBTQ+ community, keep scrolling.
What has Zohran Mamdani said about protecting LGBTQ+ New Yorkers?
Mamdani attended a Trans Community Town Hall with Ceyenne Doroshow in May, where he spoke with several activists about his plans for LGBTQ+ New Yorkers.
"New York City must be a refuge for LGBTQIA+ people, but private institutions in our own city have already started capitulating to Trump's assault on trans rights," the Democratic candidate wrote in an Instagram post. "Meanwhile, the cost of living crisis confronting working class people across the city hits the LGBTQIA+ community particularly hard, with higher rates of unemployment and homelessness than the rest of the city."
Mamdani's campaign promises included: The expansion and protection of gender-affirming care across New York City; the commitment to "strengthen and uphold the rights of queer and trans New Yorkers" through sanctuary protections; and the creation of an "Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs" with the intent to "expand and centralize the services, programs, and support LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers's needs across housing, employment, and more."
Which LGBTQ+ celebrities endorsed Zohran Mamdani?
A significant portion of the LGBTQ+ community in New York City supported Zohran Mamdani during this primary election, including queer celebrities.
Notably, And Just Like That… actor and former gubernatorial candidate Cynthia Nixon threw her weight behind the Democratic socialist and told her supporters not to vote for Cuomo, whom she ran against in September 2018.
Mamdani also received support from LGBTQ+ celebrities and high-profile allies, such as Bowen Yang, Laverne Cox, Ben Platt, Emily Ratajkowski, Cole Escola, Lorde, Mary Beth Barone, Indya Moore, and Jack Schlossberg, among others.
Lorde
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