In a historic victory for Democrats, Zohran Mamdani has been elected as the new mayor of New York City. The 34-year-old state lawmaker defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, marking a new political era for the city. Mamdani becomes New York’s first Muslim and first South Asian mayor, as well as the youngest in more than a century.
Celebrating his win, Mamdani posted a creative video on X showing a subway train arriving at City Hall with the caption, “Zohran For New York City.” Born in Kampala, Uganda, to scholar Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair, he moved from Africa to South Africa and later to New York. A graduate of Bowdoin College, Mamdani has long been a vocal progressive.
His grassroots campaign focused on affordability and equality. He pledged rent freezes, 200,000 new public housing units, universal childcare, and fare-free buses. He also proposed a $30 minimum wage by 2030 and higher taxes on the wealthy.
Despite criticism over his limited experience, Mamdani’s progressive platform energized voters. Over two million New Yorkers cast their ballots — the highest turnout in 50 years.
