WASHINGTON: Zohran Mamdani, the son of South Asian immigrants who won the hearts of New Yorkers ahead of a hotly-contested mayoral race, has become the city’s first Muslim mayor.
At 34, Mamdani defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo, running on a platform centered on affordable housing, social justice, and stronger public services. His grassroots campaign energised young voters and minority communities, highlighting the changing demographics and political dynamics of New York City.
According to official results, Mamdani received 1,036,051 votes, accounting for 50.4 per cent of the total votes counted.
Independent Cuomo came in second with 854,995 votes (41.6pc), while Republican Curtis Sliwa trailed with 146,137 votes (7.1pc). The total votes counted so far are 2,055,921, with roughly 90.5pc of expected votes tallied and an estimated 215,000 votes remaining.
Congratulations pour in from Clintons and Obama, who had previously been reluctant to endorse the socialist candidate
Addressed supporters after his win, Mr Mamdani, a democratic socialist, said: “This victory belongs to the people of New York City. Together, we will build a city that works for everyone, not just the powerful few.”
“A radical left earthquake just hit America. New York is the epicentre,” a Virginia Republican of South Asian descent said when asked for comment at a Republican election office, after the results were announced.
The New York Times, however, saw it as the culmination of tireless work and a well-oiled election machinery.
“With each passing month, his campaign gained momentum—amassing a huge army of volunteers, maxing out on donations, and rising in the polls—until he won the Democratic primary in June,” it wrote.
House of Representatives Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries told CNN that Democrats “have all of the momentum in the world” after the party saw major pickups in Tuesday’s elections.
“Republicans woke up this morning and realised that they are no longer in a 2024 electoral environment. That’s over, and they’re done,” the New York Democrat said.
Born in Uganda and carrying the African middle name Kwame, Mr Mamdani is also the first millennial to hold this office. His father is a Muslim, and his mother is famed Indian filmmaker Mira Nair — a personal history that mirrors the multicultural, multiracial, and multi-religious character of the metropolis.
In a metropolis where Muslims were once attacked on trains and buses, he successfully persuaded voters to elect the city’s first Muslim mayor.
Mr Mamdani’s spirited campaign, driven by a motivational agenda, captivated supporters who found it inspiring and unsettled opponents who saw it as threatening. But his strategy of mobilizing voters proved decisive, with more than two million people casting ballots—setting a new record for New York City.
Former US first lady and 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton noted: “More people voted in New York City’s election this year than they have in 50 years.”
Her husband and former president Bill Clinton congratulated him, saying, “I’m wishing you success as you work to transform the passion of your campaign into building a better, fairer, more affordable New York.”
Former president Barack Obama, who had initially been reluctant to endorse Mr Mamdani, also congratulated Democrats nationwide: “When we come together around strong, forward-looking leaders who care about the issues that matter, we can win.”
The warmest message came from Mamdani’s fellow Democratic socialist, Senator Bernie Sanders. “Starting at 1pc in the polls, Zohran Mamdani pulled off one of the great political upsets in modern American history,” Sanders said. “Yes, we can create a government that represents working people and not the 1[c. I look forward to working with Zohran as he builds a city that works for all.” His victory capped a night of sweeping wins for Democrats in key US races, reflecting a renewed wave of progressive momentum and a strong antiTrump vote.
Democrats sweep
In Virginia, Democrat Abigail Spanberger defeated Republican Winsome EarleSears to become the state’s next governor. She will succeed Republican Glenn Youngkin, who was ineligible to run for reelection due to term-limit rules.
In New Jersey, Democrat Mikie Sherrill secured the governorship against Republican Jack Ciattarelli, marking another win for the party in historically competitive states.
In California, voters approved Proposition 50 — a measure that could allow Democrats to flip up to five additional US House seats in the state, bolstering their national position ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Analysts say these results reflect voter concern over economic and social issues and may influence the broader political landscape during President Trump’s second term.
CBS News conducted a poll on Wednesday asking voters: Was Trump a factor in your vote?
In California, 59pc of voters answered yes. That figure was 54pc in Virginia, 43pc in New Jersey, and 40pc in the New York mayoral race.
While the Trump factor dominated coverage across major outlets—from CNN and BBC to The Washington Post and Financial Times — it does not overshadow Mr Mamdani’s remarkable effort in New York City.
Published in Dawn, November 6th, 2025