At a gathering of American-Pakistanis in Long Island, New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani shared a heartfelt story that captured the challenges of political life and the community spirit that propelled him to victory.
Mamdani began with a light-hearted anecdote about his first political experience. “A day after Ali Najmi lost the race, he went to a restaurant to grab some doughnuts.
An uncle saw him and said he had been desperately waiting to vote for Ali,” he recalled. Mamdani first knocked on doors in New York City for Ali Najmi, whom he considers a brother, and he described Najmi’s defeat as a “thousand-watt shock.”
“That day, I told myself we cannot allow any uncle or auntie to forget when the election is,” Mamdani told more than a hundred American-Pakistanis supporting his transition.
Organized by Dr. Ijaz Ahmad, Chairman of the American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC), the event reflected Mamdani’s long-term commitment to inclusive democracy. Over the years, his campaign reached out to voters of all ages and backgrounds, including those who had never registered or had not voted in decades.
“A close friend told me about his 90-year-old grandfather, who finally registered to vote this election after nearly 50 years in New York City,” Mamdani said proudly.
His approach brought together Pakistanis, Indians, Bangladeshis, Nepalis, Tibetans, and other South Asian communities across the five boroughs, resulting in a historic turnout and votes surpassing any candidate since John Vliet Lindsay in 1965.
“I am now less than 30 days away from being inaugurated as the first South Asian, first Muslim, and first immigrant mayor in generations,” Mamdani shared, underscoring the historic nature of his achievement.
Reflecting on his journey, Mamdani highlighted the importance of representation. “The only reason I stand here is because people saw themselves in me long before I could see the path ahead. I ask you to give that same belief to every young person in this room those who want to write their own story and become the leaders we have long waited for.”
Despite his triumph, Mamdani acknowledged the obstacles he faced. Many doubted him, even close associates, warning about the limitations of opportunity in the city and country. Yet, unwavering support from APPAC and early community supporters made the journey possible.
“This is not just about American-Pakistanis, South Asians, or Muslims. It is about ensuring democracy reflects the city it serves, so every person can see themselves in the politics of their home,” Mamdani remarked.
Sharing another inspiring anecdote, he recounted a South Asian doctor who saved a woman’s life on a flight. When asked how his service could be recognized, the doctor replied, “I need two tickets to Zohran Mamdani’s inauguration.”
Earlier, former APPAC Youth President Arsal Ijaz noted, “Zohran Mamdani wasn’t born into politics. He built his path step by step, door by door, and community by community. His journey proves that the impossible becomes possible when you take the first step.”
Leave a Reply