Zohran Mamdani elected New York Mayor in landmark progressive victory

Zohran Mamdani has won the New York City mayoral race, marking a dramatic rise for the 34-year-old progressive lawmaker who campaigned on shifting political power back to working-class residents and standing up to the Trump administration.

Mamdani, a democratic socialist and state assembly member, defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, securing a major win for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. Now, he faces the daunting task of running the country’s largest city while pursuing ambitious policy goals that critics warn may be difficult to achieve.

His election also represents multiple historic firsts: Mamdani will be New York’s first Muslim mayor, the first mayor of South Asian descent, and the first African-born mayor. When he takes office on January 1, he will also be the youngest person to lead the city in more than 100 years.

Speaking to supporters on election night, Mamdani acknowledged that many saw him as an unconventional candidate — young, Muslim, and unapologetically socialist — but said his victory proves voters want bold change.

“New York, tonight you have delivered a mandate for change,” he told the cheering crowd. “I will wake up each morning ready to make this city better for you than it was the day before.”

More than two million New Yorkers cast ballots in the race — one of the highest turnouts in recent elections — signaling widespread engagement in a contest that could reshape the city’s political direction.