By skyforbes 
How a 33-year-old assemblyman used viral videos to topple the most powerful political dynasty in America
Something unprecedented happened in New York City on June 23, 2025. In a result that sent shockwaves through the political establishment, Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic Socialist assemblyman, defeated Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic mayoral primary by eight percentage points. This wasn’t just an upset victory; it was a complete rewriting of the rules of American politics.
Mamdani’s triumph represents the first time a truly viral-native campaign has toppled establishment power at the highest levels. His victory wasn’t built on traditional fundraising or endorsements from party elders. Instead, it emerged from TikTok videos explaining ranked-choice voting in Hindi and Urdu, grassroots social media organizing, and a political message that bypassed mainstream media entirely.
The Campaign That Changed Everything
Traditional political wisdom suggests that name recognition, fundraising advantages, and institutional support determine electoral outcomes. Mamdani’s campaign demolished these assumptions through what can only be described as platform-native politics.