Zohran Mamdani Makes History as New York City's First Muslim Mayor in Landslide Win

New York: Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Queens assemblyman born in Uganda, has been elected the next mayor of New York City, defeating independent former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in a race that shattered turnout records and served as the first major test of President Donald Trump's second term.

With over 60% of votes counted, Mamdani held a commanding lead of approximately 49.6% to Cuomo's 41.6% and Sliwa's 8%, according to early tallies from the New York City Board of Elections. Decision Desk HQ and prediction markets like Polymarket projected his victory shortly after polls closed at 9 p.m. ET, marking a resounding affirmation of his progressive platform amid more than 2 million ballots cast—the highest turnout since 1969.

Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America representing Assembly District 36, campaigned aggressively on tackling the city's affordability crisis. His signature proposals included universal free childcare, fare-free buses, and a rent freeze for over 1 million stabilised apartments—issues that resonated deeply in a city grappling with soaring living costs.

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High-profile endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez helped mobilise thousands of young and progressive voters, building on his surprise June primary upset over Cuomo (56%-44% after ranked-choice voting).

The son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, Mamdani immigrated from Kampala at age 7 and rose from housing activism and hip-hop artistry to state politics. As NYC's first Muslim mayor, his win drew celebrations from immigrant communities and even some progressive Jewish groups, despite his support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement against Israel.

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Cuomo, who pivoted to an independent run after losing the primary, received a surprise eleventh-hour endorsement from Trump on Truth Social. The president warned that supporting Sliwa would effectively aid Mamdani and urged voters: "Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him." Tech billionaire Elon Musk also backed Cuomo. Sliwa conceded graciously but vowed to mobilise against "socialism" if Mamdani's agenda advances.

Trump's policies—including tariffs, a controversial budget bill impacting rural healthcare, and a recent federal shutdown—loomed over the contest, with Mamdani framing the election as a rebuke to national Republican priorities.

In a parallel victory for Democrats, Abigail Spanberger, an ex-CIA officer, won Virginia's gubernatorial race, becoming the state's first female governor by flipping the seat from GOP control.