Zohran Mamdani has surged into New York history, winning the mayoral seat and becoming the city’s first Muslim and first South Asian leader.
At 34, the far-left state lawmaker steps into office as New York’s youngest mayor in over a century, riding a progressive wave that defeated former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
In a jubilant victory speech, Mamdani embraced the trailblazing nature of his win.
“The conventional wisdom would tell you that I am far from the perfect candidate. I am young, despite my best efforts to grow older. I am Muslim. I am a democratic socialist. And most damning of all, I refuse to apologize for any of this,” he told a cheering crowd in Brooklyn.
More than 2 million New Yorkers reportedly voted in Tuesday’s election, a turnout unseen in more than five decades. With 90% of votes counted, Mamdani achieved a nine-point lead over Cuomo, cementing a massive mandate for change.
The mayor-elect’s campaign focused heavily on affordability, pledging bold reforms such as free child care, city-run groceries, no-fare buses, and a new mental health-led emergency response agency. Whether such goals can be funded remains hotly debated, especially with state leaders resisting higher taxes on the wealthy.
Mamdani’s rise also marks a victory for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, which has long argued for embracing the left rather than moving to the political center. His victory comes despite intense scrutiny from Republicans, including President Donald Trump, who repeatedly attacked him as a radical and threatened federal funding cuts.
“New York, tonight you have delivered a mandate for change,” Mamdani said. “To make this city better for you than it was the day before.”
Cuomo, whose political comeback attempt was overshadowed by past scandals and negative campaigning, conceded with a warning.
“Almost half of New Yorkers did not vote to support a government agenda that makes promises that we know cannot be met,” he said, while urging his supporters not to boo Mamdani’s name. “Tonight was their night.”
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Mamdani’s critics have also focused on his past comments calling for NYPD defunding and his outspoken support for Palestinian rights, while his backers have rallied around his charismatic grassroots organizing, community events, and progressive economic message.
Sliwa, speaking for Republicans, issued a parting shot, “If you try to implement socialism, if you try to render our police weak and impotent, if you forsake the people’s public safety, we will become the mayor-elect and his supporters’ worst enemies.”
