Hundreds show up to judge New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani look-alike contest

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, faced a unique challenge on Sunday as hundreds of people flocked to Washington Square Park to participate in a look-alike contest. The event, billed as the "First Annual Mayor Zohran Mamdani Look-Alike Contest," was sponsored by the social media app, Sonder. Contestants dressed in a variety of Mamdani-inspired outfits, sporting brown suits, red and black patterned ties, dark blue and black suits, silver rings, and even an apron, referencing a rap music video the mayor made in 2019.

The winner, Amadeo Fusca, was chosen for his resemblance to Mamdani, including a jersey of the NBA champion New York Knicks, a haircut, and facial hair reminiscent of the mayor's. Fusca took home a $100 prize. Despite police initially asking attendees to leave the park due to lacking a permit, the event continued just outside the park boundaries.

This isn't the first time Mamdani look-alikes have gathered; a similar contest took place in Brooklyn in 2025 during Mamdani's mayoral campaign.