Indian American Voices Matter: Why Andrew Cuomo is Emerging as the Community's Choice in NYC’s 2025 Mayoral Race

Andrew Cuomo: A Strong Choice for Indian Americans in the 2025 NYC Mayoral Primary Race 

📍 By Mona M. | New York City | June 2025

As the 2025 New York City Democratic mayoral primary nears, Indian American voters—numbering over 250,000 across the five boroughs—are poised to play a decisive role. With cultural pride and economic empowerment as central concerns, former Governor Andrew Cuomo is emerging as a strong favorite, especially when compared to his chief rival, State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, whose past actions and rhetoric have alarmed many within the community.

✅ Cuomo: A Proven Leader with a Vision for Unity and Growth

Cuomo’s tenure as a three-term governor was marked by steady leadership in turbulent times, including the COVID-19 crisis and economic recovery efforts. His record on job creation, small business support, infrastructure investment, and hate crime prevention resonates with Indian American families—many of whom are entrepreneurs, professionals, and faith-based community organizers.

“Cuomo understands how to uplift minority communities without dividing them,” said Neha Patel, a small business owner in Jackson Heights. “We need leadership, not ideology.”

🚨 Controversy: Mamdani’s Record Draws Scrutiny

Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a DSA-endorsed candidate, has faced backlash over a 2020 protest at Times Square that disrupted a peaceful Hindu celebration of the Ram Mandir’s bhoomi pujan—a deeply symbolic moment for Hindus globally. Protesters, in Mamdani’s presence, reportedly used slurs such as “bastards” and derogatory remarks against Lord Rama.

“Even if he didn’t chant the slurs himself, his presence signaled endorsement,” said Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, who called Mamdani’s leadership “divisive and disrespectful.”

⚖️ Caste Bill Sparks Fear of Profiling

In March 2025, Mamdani co-sponsored Assembly Bill A06920, seeking to add caste as a protected category in New York law. While framed as an anti-discrimination measure, many Indian Americans view it as targeted profiling of their community.

“This bill unfairly associates all Indian Americans with casteism, a system outlawed in India decades ago,” said Samir Kalra of the Hindu American Foundation.

“It feels like we're being singled out and stereotyped,” added Jaspreet Singh, a Sikh community leader.

California’s similar bill, SB 403, was vetoed in 2023 after widespread protests from Indian-origin groups citing the same concerns.

🔥 Rhetoric and Division

Mamdani’s history of anti-India rhetoric—including his labeling of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “war criminal”—has fueled additional mistrust. While Mamdani argues for human rights, critics say his framing often alienates and antagonizes Indian American voters who seek constructive dialogue, not polarization.

🗓️ VOTE: Make Your Voice Count on June 24

With early voting starting June 14 and the Democratic primary on June 24, Indian Americans are urged to mobilize. For many, the choice is clear: Cuomo offers experience, respect for cultural values, and a unifying vision.

🔗 Check your polling location and early voting details at nyc.gov/elections