Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Muslim democratic socialist, has made history as New York’s first Muslim mayor after defeating Andrew Cuomo in a decisive election.
New York has elected Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Muslim and democratic socialist, as its next mayor in a historic victory that marks a generational and ideological shift in America’s largest city.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald reporting, Mamdani, a state assemblyman, defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo, securing 50.4 per cent of the vote to Cuomo’s 41.6 per cent.
Mamdani’s win makes him the first Muslim and only the second democratic socialist to lead New York City.
In his victory speech, he promised “a generation of change,” telling supporters, “If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him.” He concluded with a defiant message to the U.S. president: “Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: turn the volume up.”
President Trump had branded Mamdani a “left-wing lunatic” and threatened to withhold federal funds from his administration. Mamdani campaigned on addressing New York’s affordability crisis by taxing corporations and millionaires to fund social housing, free childcare, and public transport.
Prominent Democrats, including Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, praised Mamdani’s victory as a win for progress and diversity. Cuomo conceded, urging vigilance against antisemitism while congratulating his opponent.