Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has ignited fresh political discussion in the United States after calling Ugandan-born politician Zohran Mamdani “the future of the Democratic Party.”
Mamdani, who recently clinched the Democratic Party nomination for the New York City mayoral race set for November 2025, has drawn national attention for his progressive views and community-driven activism.
Musk made the remark on his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) in response to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who had urged voters to support Mamdani during a campaign rally.
“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.
In a reply that quickly went viral, Musk wrote:
“Zohran is the future of the Democratic Party.”
The comment has sparked debate, with some observers interpreting it as an unexpected endorsement of Mamdani, while others view it as a sarcastic swipe at the Democrats.
The post also comes amid Musk’s recent rift with former President Donald Trump, whom he supported during the 2024 election. Musk has since hinted at backing Democratic candidates in upcoming races — a shift that many see as a response to his fallout with Trump.
Mamdani, 33, won the Democratic nomination after defeating former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in a closely contested primary. Born in Kampala, Uganda, he later became a naturalised U.S. citizen and has built a strong following for his progressive policies within the Democratic Party.
He now faces a competitive general election against incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent after being cleared of corruption charges, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, and former federal prosecutor Jim Walden.
If elected, Zohran Mamdani would make history as the first African-born Mayor of New York City.
