New York, NY — Zohran Mamdani’s historic mayoral campaign not only broke political barriers but also transformed the visual language of New York City politics. His eye-catching blue and orange campaign signs, inspired by both Bollywood posters and the city’s everyday hustle, became one of the most recognizable images of the 2025 election season.
Designed by Philadelphia-based graphic artist Aneesh Bhoopathy, the campaign visuals drew inspiration from New York’s iconic cultural landscape — the primary colors of bodegas, yellow cabs, and street vendors — to create a design that felt both nostalgic and uniquely urban. The bold typography, with its vintage comic-book drop shadow, paid homage to old-school, hand-painted signage still found in neighborhoods across the city.
“This design was meant to capture the essence of New York — energetic, diverse, and unapologetically vibrant,” said Bhoopathy. “It reflected both the candidate’s roots and the city’s rhythm.”
The campaign’s aesthetic quickly stood out in a crowded race, influencing even Mamdani’s opponents. Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who initially used a traditional red, white, and blue design, later rebranded mid-campaign, adopting a blue-and-orange color palette — a nod to both Mamdani’s look and New York’s beloved Knicks and Mets.
Mamdani, now the first Muslim and South Asian mayor in the city’s history, is the son of renowned academic Mahmood Mamdani and acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, known for Monsoon Wedding and other international hits. His campaign’s bold style mirrored his progressive message and his deep connection to the multicultural spirit of New York.
Design experts hailed the campaign as a visual breakthrough. The colors and vintage feel resonated with working-class New Yorkers and evoked a sense of optimism and unity during a time of deep political division. “The design connected with people because it was more than just a logo — it told a story about who we are as a city,” said one branding analyst.
The creative energy behind the campaign also inspired viral grassroots movements, from supporters’ street murals to trending “Hot Girls for Zohran” merchandise worn by young influencers and celebrities.
As Mamdani prepares to take office, his campaign’s success is already influencing a new generation of political branding — one that trades generic patriotism for authenticity and cultural pride.
“In a city built on creativity and character, Mamdani’s visuals didn’t just campaign — they celebrated New York,” said Bhoopathy. “It was more than design; it was identity.”