Zohran Mamdani’s rise as New York mayor sparks excitement online and caution on the ground
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Nov 14, 2025, 18:08 IST
Zohran Mamdani’s election as New York’s mayor has generated a wave of excitement online and a more cautious response on the ground. His background immediately made him stand out: born to Ugandan and Indian parents and once a rapper, he is seen by many—especially Gen Z—as a fresh, relatable, culturally fluent leader who breaks the mold of traditional American politicians. Social media celebrated him as a progressive new face, praising his charisma and his ambitious promises.
Zohran Mamdani became the New York Mayor, and people were stoked on social media. He is unlike other mayors in that he wasn't born in the U.S., he had roots in Uganda and India, and was even a rapper earlier in his life. Because of this, people at first saw him as fresh, relatable, someone who understands different cultures.
But at the same time, many people have also said that he does not have "traditional political experience." What's more, the feeling was that he speaks very nicely, presents himself well, and sometimes does things in a way that looks performative - like he is trying a bit too hard to fit the American political image. On social media, people were quite welcoming and supportive toward him, especially the GenZ who liked this idea of a progressive, socialist-leaning mayor.
Now, about the main point: during his campaign, he promised a lot of big things like free buses, rent freezes, city-run grocery stores, universal childcare, making New York more affordable, etc. And online, everybody was like, "Omg yes, he's the one." But when reporters actually asked people on the ground bus drivers, tenants, small shop owners, commuters their reactions were more mixed.
“Free buses sound good, but how will the city pay for them?”
“He talks nice, but can he actually do it?”
"Feels a bit like a show sometimes."
In a word, the feeling is that online, everyone loves him, while offline, people cautiously watch him.
They don't hate him, but they're like, "Okay, let's see if he actually delivers."
And that's where the "performative" criticism comes from-some people feel he uses social media moments, dramatic speeches, or expressive body language almost like he's performing, instead of doing the quiet, behind-the-scenes policy work. Others say, "No, he's energetic and passionate-that's why we like him."
He, therefore, currently has a divided image:
Online: Very positive, very hyped, very "new face of New York."
On the field: hopeful but doubtful, "let's wait and see," and some people feel he overacts or tries too hard. It is this mix of admiration and suspicion that makes his journey interesting.
But at the same time, many people have also said that he does not have "traditional political experience." What's more, the feeling was that he speaks very nicely, presents himself well, and sometimes does things in a way that looks performative - like he is trying a bit too hard to fit the American political image. On social media, people were quite welcoming and supportive toward him, especially the GenZ who liked this idea of a progressive, socialist-leaning mayor.
Now, about the main point: during his campaign, he promised a lot of big things like free buses, rent freezes, city-run grocery stores, universal childcare, making New York more affordable, etc. And online, everybody was like, "Omg yes, he's the one." But when reporters actually asked people on the ground bus drivers, tenants, small shop owners, commuters their reactions were more mixed.
Some people said:
“Free buses sound good, but how will the city pay for them?”
“He talks nice, but can he actually do it?”
"Feels a bit like a show sometimes."
In a word, the feeling is that online, everyone loves him, while offline, people cautiously watch him.
They don't hate him, but they're like, "Okay, let's see if he actually delivers."
And that's where the "performative" criticism comes from-some people feel he uses social media moments, dramatic speeches, or expressive body language almost like he's performing, instead of doing the quiet, behind-the-scenes policy work. Others say, "No, he's energetic and passionate-that's why we like him."
He, therefore, currently has a divided image:
Online: Very positive, very hyped, very "new face of New York."
On the field: hopeful but doubtful, "let's wait and see," and some people feel he overacts or tries too hard. It is this mix of admiration and suspicion that makes his journey interesting.