NEW YORK — In a landmark victory, 34-year-old Uganda-born democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has been elected mayor of New York City, becoming the first Muslim, first South Asian, and one of the youngest individuals to hold the office in the city’s modern history.
Mamdani’s win was confirmed Tuesday night by CNN’s Decision Desk and NBC News projections, with early results showing him securing approximately 60.2% of the vote. The state assemblyman defeated former New York governor Andrew Cuomo for the second time, following a surprise victory in the Democratic primary, and overcame Republican Curtis Sliwa, who remained in the race despite calls to step aside.
His campaign, built on grassroots organizing and a platform focused on affordability for working-class New Yorkers, propelled Mamdani from relative obscurity to national prominence. His victory signals a shift toward progressive policies in a city grappling with rising living costs and deepening inequality.
Addressing supporters in Brooklyn, Mamdani declared the win a “new age” for New York. He referenced the defeat of a “political dynasty,” alluding to Cuomo, and emphasized the empowerment of working people. “Tonight, against all odds, we have grasped it. The future is in our hands,” he said, in a speech marked by poetic imagery and defiant tone.
Mamdani also responded to criticism from President Donald Trump, who had labeled him a “communist” and threatened to withhold federal funding if he won. “If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him,” Mamdani said. “So, Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up.
Born in Kampala, Uganda, Mamdani moved to New York at age seven after a brief stay in Cape Town, South Africa. He is the son of Columbia University professor Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair, known for acclaimed works such as “Monsoon Wedding” and “Mississippi Masala.”
Before entering politics, Mamdani worked as a foreclosure prevention housing counselor in Queens, assisting low-income homeowners. He also pursued music under the name “Mr. Cardamom,” releasing tracks that celebrated South Asian culture and his grandmother’s legacy. Opponents used clips from his music videos in attack ads during the campaign.
Elected to the New York State Assembly in 2020, Mamdani became the first South Asian man, first Ugandan, and third Muslim to serve in the body. His advocacy for immigrant communities was evident in 2021 when he joined a 15-day hunger strike with taxi drivers demanding debt relief.
His campaign leveraged digital platforms to reach voters, amassing millions of followers on Instagram and TikTok. In the final days of the race, Mamdani made a symbolic midnight visit to LaGuardia Airport’s taxi stand, reinforcing his connection to the city’s working class and immigrant communities.
