Elon Musk's praise for Zohran Mamdani as New York mayoral race heats up: 'Future of Democratic Party'

Tech billionaire Elon Musk on Sunday lauded Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for New York City mayoral race, saying that he is the future of the party in US.

"Zohran is the future of the Democratic Party," the Tesla CEO said on X, reacting to a video of New York Governor Kathy Hochul endorsing Mamdani for the election scheduled for November 4.

Musk's praise for Mamdani, a Democratic, raises eyebrows since the billionaire has been closely attached to US President Donald Trump and his Republican party for several months. He contributed millions of dollars to the Trump campaign in the run up to last year's presidential election.

In her endorsement for Mamdani, Hochul said that the Democratic nominee is “a chance to reclaim the Senate and America” if elected.

Zohran is the future of the Democratic Party https://t.co/qwkBimPBby

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 27, 2025

"This November's election will take that passion to 2026 so that we can take back the House of Representatives, take back the Senate and take back our country," she said.

However, Musk's post drew sharp responses from far-right critics of Mamdani, who twisted the Tesla CEO's praise to attack the Democrat. "And the Titanic was the future of ocean liners," one user commented, indirectly suggesting that Mamdani will be bad for the city.

"Freeze rent. Increase property taxes and expenses. Force private owners to sell. All property is bought by mega investors. Every New Yorker will own nothing and like it," another user said.

Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old progressive Democrat, was born in Uganda to an academic father and filmmaker mother. He immigrated to New York at age 7, attended Bronx High School of Science, and graduated in Africana studies from Bowdoin College.

Perceived as a progressive Muslim candidate, Mamdani has often called out the “racist and baseless attacks” he has faced from his opponents during the campaigning.

A new poll conducted by AARP and Gotham Polling & Analytics shows Mamdani leading the race with support from 43.2% of voters, well ahead of his rivals. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo trails with 28.9%, followed by Curtis Sliwa at 19.4%, while 8.4% of respondents remain undecided or favor another candidate.

Mamdani’s victory in the Democratic primary marked a generational shift within the party and energised younger voters and progressives, positioning his campaign as a potential model for the future direction of the Democrats amid a national climate shaped by President Trump and ongoing debates around party ideology.