World’s richest businessman- cum politician Elon Musk has stirred political debate in the United States after describing Ugandan-born Zohran Mamdani as “the future of the Democratic Party.”
Mamdani,a son of renowned scholar Prof Mahmood Mamdani , who is the Democratic Party’s flag bearer for the New York City mayoral race slated for November 2025, has gained growing national attention for his progressive ideas and grassroots activism.
Musk made the remarks on his microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter) in response to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who had urged voters to rally behind Mamdani at a campaign event.
“This is about this November’s election, but take that energy and passion into 2026 so that we can take back the House of Representatives, take the Senate, and take back our country. With your help, we will. Elect Zohran and we take back America,” Hochul said.
Musk, who campaigned for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump during the 2024 election, responded to Hochul’s comments, writing:
“Zohran is the future of the Democratic Party.”
His statement has been widely interpreted as an endorsement of Mamdani, though some analysts say it could also be a sarcastic jab at the Democrats.
The post, however, aligns with Musk’s earlier threat to fund Democratic candidates following his public fallout with Trump — a move that prompted the former president to issue a stern warning.
Mamdani, 33, secured the Democratic nomination for New York City Mayor after defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in a tense primary contest.
Born in Kampala, Uganda, Mamdani was naturalized as a U.S. citizen and has since built a reputation as a progressive voice within the Democratic Party.
He will face stiff competition in the November general election from incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent following his indictment — and later clearance — on corruption charges, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, and former federal prosecutor Jim Walden.
If elected, Mamdani would become the first African-born Mayor of New York City — a historic milestone that could reshape the city’s political landscape.