Landmark moment for Indian-Americans in US politics: Zohran Mamdani, Aftab Pureval, Ghazala Hashmi big wins

In a historic night for Indian-origin and South Asian Americans in US politics, three prominent leaders — Zohran Mamdani, Aftab Pureval, and Ghazala Hashmi — scored major victories in the 2025 elections, marking a milestone moment for representation and diversity across the country.

Zohran Mamdani makes history as first South Asian and Muslim Mayor of New York City

Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democratic Socialist lawmaker, won the fiercely contested New York City mayoral race, becoming the first South Asian and Muslim to lead America’s largest city.

Mamdani, the Ugandan-born son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and scholar Mahmood Mamdani, defeated former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. With 83 per cent of votes counted, Mamdani secured 948,202 votes (50.6%), while Cuomo received 776,547 (41.3%) and Sliwa 137,030.

The New York City Board of Elections reported a record turnout of nearly 2 million votes, the highest since 1969.

Mamdani’s campaign focused on lowering the cost of living and uplifting working-class New Yorkers, resonating with young and economically burdened voters. His victory marks a significant ideological shift for a city often viewed as the heart of American capitalism.

Also read: Filmmaker Mira Nair's instant 3-word reaction on son Zohran Mamdani’s big win

'Turn the volume up': Mamdani's first shot at Trump after New York win

Aftab Pureval re-elected as Mayor of Cincinnati

In another key contest, Democrat Aftab Pureval secured re-election as Mayor of Cincinnati, defeating Republican Cory Bowman, the half-brother of Senator J D Vance.

Pureval, who first won the mayorship in 2021, has been credited with expanding economic opportunities and improving public services in the city. Although the office is officially nonpartisan, Pureval ran with strong Democratic support and had earlier dominated the all-party primary with over 80 per cent of the vote. A lawyer by profession, Pureval’s re-election reaffirms his popularity among Cincinnati residents.

Ghazala Hashmi elected as Virginia’s first Muslim and South Asian Lieutenant Governor

In Virginia, India-born Ghazala Hashmi, 61, made history by being elected Lieutenant Governor, becoming the first Muslim and South Asian American to hold the post in the state’s history.

Hashmi, a Democrat and long-time state senator, won with 1,465,634 votes (54.2%), defeating Republican John Reid, who garnered 1,232,242 votes.

An educator and advocate for social justice, Hashmi’s legislative focus includes education, reproductive freedom, healthcare access, and environmental protection. Her campaign received strong backing from the Indian American Impact Fund, which invested $175,000 to mobilize voters.

“An immigrant, educator, and tireless advocate, Hashmi has dedicated her life to expanding opportunity and delivering results for working families across Virginia,” said Chintan Patel, Executive Director of the Impact Fund, calling her victory a “landmark moment for the community, Commonwealth, and democracy.” — with PTI inputs