Democratic nominee defeats Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa, becoming city's first Muslim mayor
NEW YORK CITY — Zohran Mamdani made history Tuesday night, winning election as New York City's 111th mayor and becoming the first Muslim to lead the nation's largest city.
The 34-year-old democratic socialist and Queens state assembly member secured a decisive victory with more than 50% of the vote, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who finished second with just over 40%, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, who received under 8%.
The crowd at Mamdani's election night party at the Brooklyn Paramount erupted in cheers when the Associated Press called the race in his favor, capping a remarkable political journey for a candidate who was relatively unknown when he launched his campaign last fall.
A Grassroots Movement Builds Momentum
Mamdani's victory represents a stunning upset of New York's political establishment. His campaign, fueled by small-dollar donations and tens of thousands of volunteers, built momentum throughout the spring with a message centered on affordability and change that resonated with voters across the city's diverse neighborhoods.
His platform promised bold action on the issues facing everyday New Yorkers: freezing rents on rent-stabilized units, building more affordable housing, raising the minimum wage to $30 an hour, making buses free, and increasing taxes on the city's wealthiest residents.
That grassroots energy translated into a decisive June Democratic primary victory, where Mamdani defeated Cuomo by nearly 13 points. The win galvanized a diverse coalition that included many young and first-time voters, signaling a potential shift in the city's political landscape.
Cuomo's Failed Comeback Bid
After his primary defeat, Cuomo chose to remain in the race as an independent candidate, attempting a political comeback. The former governor, who resigned in 2021 after more than a dozen women accused him of sexual harassment—allegations he has denied—struggled to gain traction against Mamdani's momentum.
Throughout the campaign, the two candidates sparred frequently over their records and qualifications. Mamdani accused Cuomo of serving corporate interests and being beholden to wealthy donors, while Cuomo dismissed his opponent as too inexperienced to lead the city. Despite Cuomo's attacks and name recognition, polls consistently showed Mamdani maintaining a comfortable lead.
National Support and Controversy
Mamdani's campaign drew endorsements from prominent progressive leaders, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who appeared with him at rallies across the city. Other notable supporters included Representative Jerry Nadler, New York State Attorney General Letitia James, Governor Kathy Hochul, and U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
However, not all New York Democrats backed his candidacy. Both U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand notably declined to endorse in the race.
The campaign also attracted intense scrutiny and attacks. Mamdani faced criticism over his age, experience, and progressive agenda. His criticism of the Israeli government and military actions in Gaza, along with his support for Palestinian rights, drew fire from some Jewish groups and complicated relationships within the party.
Facing Islamophobic Attacks
Throughout the race, Mamdani confronted a barrage of Islamophobic attacks on social media and from conservative political circles. Republican Representative Elise Stefanik, a Trump ally, condemned him as "a jihadist candidate for mayor."
In October, Mamdani denounced Cuomo for laughing along with a conservative radio host who suggested Mamdani would be "cheering" if "another 9/11" happened. Mamdani called the exchange "disgusting" and "racist." He also accused a super PAC supporting Cuomo of "blatant Islamophobia" after a proposed flier featured a manipulated image that appeared to make his beard look darker and thicker.
Former President Donald Trump entered the fray, calling Mamdani a "radical" and a "communist." On Monday, Trump endorsed Cuomo and threatened that if Mamdani won, it would be "highly unlikely" the city would receive federal funds "other than the very minimum as required." Billionaire Elon Musk also urged New Yorkers to vote for Cuomo.
In July, Trump raised the possibility of revoking Mamdani's citizenship—a threat the candidate denounced as "an attack on our democracy."
A New Chapter for New York
Born in Uganda to Indian parents, Mamdani moved to New York City with his family at age seven and became a U.S. citizen in 2018. His unlikely journey from relative obscurity to Gracie Mansion represents not just a personal triumph but a potential turning point for progressive politics in America's largest city.
Mamdani's victory comes amid a wave of Democratic wins nationwide, including Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger becoming Virginia's first female governor and Mikie Sherrill defeating her Trump-backed opponent in New Jersey.
His campaign's impact has already extended beyond New York. In August, reports indicated that more than 10,000 progressives across the country had been inspired to consider running for office themselves.
As New York City prepares for a new era of leadership, Mamdani faces the challenge of governing a complex, diverse metropolis while navigating relationships with a hostile Trump administration and skeptical elements within his own party. Whether his progressive vision can translate from campaign promises to governing reality will define his tenure as New York's 111th mayor.
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