Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has made history by becoming New York City’s first Indian-American Muslim and youngest mayor. The 34-year-old politician declared victory amid cheers from supporters, calling it “a win for a new generation of New Yorkers.”
In his rousing speech, Mamdani thanked voters for delivering “a mandate for change” and promised to build “a city that everyone can afford.” Addressing Donald Trump directly, he said, “Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: turn the volume up.” He vowed to end the “culture of corruption” that benefits billionaires and exploitative tax systems.
Mamdani also extended best wishes to his rival Andrew Cuomo, saying, “Let tonight be the last time I utter his name.” Drawing inspiration from Jawaharlal Nehru’s ‘Tryst with Destiny’ speech, Mamdani called his win “a moment when the soul of a city finds utterance.”
Promising free buses, universal childcare, and affordable housing, he said, “This city is your city, and this democracy is yours too.” Thanking his parents, filmmaker Mira Nair and scholar Mahmood Mamdani, he added proudly, “I am young, and I am a Muslim. I refuse to apologise for that.”
