Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has been elected the 111th mayor of New York City, defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. The 34-year-old state assembly member from Queens becomes the city’s first Muslim mayor, first mayor of south Asian descent, and the youngest mayor in over a century.
Mamdani secured more than 50% of the vote, with Cuomo finishing second at just over 40% and Sliwa receiving just over 7%. The Associated Press called the race in his favour, sparking celebrations at his election night party at the Brooklyn Paramount.
His grassroots campaign, fuelled by small-dollar donations and tens of thousands of volunteers, focused on affordability. His platform included freezing rents on rent-stabilised 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.
Mamdani’s victory came after a decisive win in the June Democratic primary, where he defeated Cuomo by nearly 13 points. Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations, launched an independent campaign but consistently trailed in polls.
Mamdani drew support from national progressives including Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as New York leaders like Jerry Nadler, Letitia James, and Governor Kathy Hochul. However, Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand did not endorse in the race.
His historic win was part of a broader Democratic success across the country, with Abigail Spanberger becoming Virginia’s first female governor, Mikie Sherrill winning in New Jersey, and California advancing redistricting plans favourable to Democrats.
