Mamdani wins New York City’s mayoral election. Image: BBC.
(The Post News)– Zohran Mamdani has won New York City’s mayoral election, marking a historic victory that ushers in a new era of progressive Democratic politics in America’s largest and wealthiest city.
The 34-year-old, born in Kampala, Uganda, and raised in the United States from the age of seven, has become the first Muslim and South Asian to lead the Big Apple. Running as a self-described democratic socialist, Mamdani defeated Independent candidate and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, as well as Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, in a race that energized young voters and galvanized the Democratic left.
Mamdani said to the crowd during the victory speech, “My friends, we have toppled a political dynasty. This is a mandate for change, a mandate for a city we can afford.”
Mamdani Secures 50.3% Votes
According to reports, Mamdani secured 50.3% of the vote to Cuomo’s 41.6%, while Sliwa trailed with just over 7%. Both rivals conceded shortly after the results were announced. Cuomo congratulated Mamdani, “Tonight was their night. Our city is the greatest city in the world, and we will unite for New York City because we love New York City.”
Mamdani’s victory capped a triumphant night for Democrats nationwide, who also won key gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey. In California, voters approved a proposition to redraw congressional districts, a move expected to bolster the party ahead of next year’s midterm elections.
It has been reported that Mamdani centered his message on New York’s affordability crisis, promising to expand social programs and tackle housing inequality through higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations. His populist message resonated with a diverse coalition of voters across the city.
“For as long as we can remember, the working people of New York have been told by the wealthy and well-connected that power does not belong in their hands. The future is in our hands, and tonight, we begin building a government that works for everyone,” said Mamdani.
Despite criticism from President Donald Trump, who branded him a “communist” and threatened to withhold federal funds if he won, Mamdani’s grassroots campaign prevailed, signaling a broader leftward shift in Democratic politics.
As New York’s youngest mayor in over a century, Mamdani now faces the formidable task of translating his bold promises into policy in a city still grappling with inequality, housing shortages, and post-pandemic economic challenges.
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