Zohran Mamdani sat down for an exclusive interview with our Senior Reporter Tara Rosenblum - who also brought the assemblyman a surprise from deep within News 12's archives.

New York

Zohran Mamdani, following his win in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor, spoke about the significant changes in his life, including increased security due to threats. He highlighted a supportive call from Boston Mayor Wu and addressed criticism from political opponents, including the president, who has labeled him a communist and threatened legal action over his stance on immigration enforcement.

Mamdani acknowledged that several top Democratic leaders have yet to endorse him, but stated he is engaged in ongoing discussions focused on affordability and city issues. The interview concluded with a look back at his early days, featuring archival footage from his high school soccer career, underscoring the unexpected nature of his political journey.

NYC mayoral candidate discusses his rise, his critics and what comes next

How has life changed for you behind the scenes since primary night? Sadly, as a result of the threats to my life and my family members, those that I love, I have to travel with security. And so under tight security, we met Zoran Mamdani inside a historic Harlem theater for an unfiltered conversation about his rise, his critics, and what comes next. What is the most unexpected call or message that you've received since your primary win? On election night, I received a call from Mayor Wu of Boston. It was a call that came as we were writing our victory speech, and it was a call that shows me what partnership could look like. But his rapid rise has also sparked sharp pushback, especially from the right, concerned about his policies on everything from Israel to immigration. Since your win, you've faced a lot of threats, a lot of attacks from a number of lawmakers, probably most notably the president himself. He has called you a communist. He has threatened to arrest you if you try to prevent ICE raids. I will not back down from that fight, because what New Yorkers want in this moment is someone who doesn't just believe in the promise of the city, but is willing to fight for it as well. A number of top Democratic leaders have yet to endorse you. So what's the hesitancy? You know, I've been having a number of conversations with leaders across our party and across the city and state. And I've appreciated those conversations with Governor Hochul, with Senator Schumer, with Congressman Jeffries. They are conversations that have always come back to the importance of affordability. But before we wrapped, one final surprise. News 12 archival footage from his high school soccer days in the Bronx. So we're just, you know, resolute. We got that goal again. Talk about a throwback, right? Could that kid have ever dreamed that at age 33, he'd win the Democratic primary for mayor in the nation's largest city? I don't think this was in the realm of possibility at that time. From the soccer field to a high stakes showdown for City Hall. One thing is clear, Zohra Mamdani's next match is just getting underway. Tara Rosenblum, News 12.

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Taipei

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Ahmedabad

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Los Angeles

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Washington

Global Tariffs

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Tel Aviv-Yafo

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Rafah

Middle East Conflict

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Mexico City

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Jerusalem

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Kyiv

Ukraine Invasion

Russia launches more strikes, damages Ukraine maternity hospital

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Camarillo

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Center Point

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Texas

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Kuala Lumpur

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Ventura County

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San Francisco

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Moscow

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Kerr County

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