A TikTok video featuring a woman claiming to be the ‘cousin’ of New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has gone viral, drawing attention and laughter across social media. The clip, captioned “busy being the black sheep of the family,” coincided with Mamdani’s historic election win, marking him as the first South Asian and Muslim mayor of New York City. This unexpected blend of a significant political event and a light-hearted family moment has resonated widely.
The TikTok clip opens with the text: “What were you doing while your cousin was campaigning to be the first South Asian mayor of NYC?” It then transitions to the woman, adorned in pink face paint and a matching outfit, dancing playfully. This humorous portrayal quickly gained traction, amassing tens of thousands of views and hundreds of comments within hours of posting. Users across TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) praised the video for its relatable humor, highlighting the juxtaposition between a serious political campaign and a joyous family moment.
Amid the excitement, many viewers expressed belief that the woman is indeed related to Mamdani, although no official confirmation has been made regarding their familial ties. Regardless, the term ‘black sheep’ has surged in popularity, with fans creating memes and remixes inspired by the clip. On TikTok, users celebrated the video as encapsulating “peak NYC energy,” with comments reflecting the sentiment that every family has at least one ‘black sheep.’ One user quipped, “So the whole family is just baddies,” illustrating the playful spirit of the moment.
The clip’s viral nature extended beyond mere amusement. It was shared thousands of times on X, with users noting that it “perfectly captures the cultural mix of New York families.” Many found the light-hearted tone refreshing in contrast to the often tense political climate following the election. Memes inspired by the video have circulated widely, with users putting their own spins on the ‘black sheep’ theme under hashtags like #ZohranMamdani and #BlackSheepEnergy.
Zohran Mamdani, aged 34, made history when he won the New York City mayoral race earlier this month. Born in Uganda to Indian parents and raised in Queens, Mamdani has been an influential figure in New York politics. Before his mayoral candidacy, he represented Astoria in the New York State Assembly, advocating for issues such as affordable housing, rent freezes, and free public transportation. His campaign, characterized by grassroots support and a strong following among younger voters, positioned him as a progressive alternative in city politics.
Mamdani’s victory has been celebrated widely across the United States and internationally, particularly among South Asian and Muslim communities who view his election as a landmark achievement in representation. His rise to political prominence has illuminated the importance of South Asian and Muslim voices in American public life.
The viral TikTok clip, while humorous in nature, also reflects a deeper sense of community pride and identity. For many viewers, it represents the joyful, self-aware humor often found within diaspora families, merging cultural pride with modern social media creativity. Whether or not the woman is truly related to Mamdani, her playful video has emerged as a symbol of the human side of politics, uniting viewers through shared laughter and cultural expression.
