Zohran Mamdani elected as New York City's first Muslim mayor

Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani was elected mayor of New York City on Tuesday, becoming the first Muslim and South Asian to hold the office, according to a projection by The Associated Press.

The 34-year-old progressive defeated Independent candidate and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, along with Republican contender Curtis Sliwa, in a decisive victory that underscored the growing strength of the Democratic Party’s left wing.
Mamdani’s win marks a watershed moment for representation in American politics. Born to Ugandan-Indian parents and raised in Queens, Mamdani’s ascent from grassroots activism to City Hall reflects a broader political shift in one of the world’s most diverse cities. His campaign drew strong support from young voters, working-class communities, and Muslim and South Asian Americans eager to see their voices reflected in city leadership.
In his concession speech, Andrew Cuomo congratulated Mamdani and called for New Yorkers to unite behind their new mayor. “Tonight was their night,” Cuomo said at an election night rally. “We will unite for New York City because we love New York City, and from the bottom of my heart, I thank each and every one of you.”
An outspoken democratic socialist, Mamdani ran on a platform centered around economic justice, affordability, and public welfare. His proposals include free public buses, universal childcare, city-owned grocery stores, and expanded rent-stabilized housing. He also pledged to raise the city’s minimum wage to $30 an hour by 2030 — nearly double the current $16.50.
To finance these programs, Mamdani has proposed raising the corporate tax rate to 11.5%, aligning it with neighboring New Jersey, and imposing a 2% income tax on residents earning over $1 million annually.
Mamdani, who has been an outspoken critic of Israeli actions in Gaza, stirred controversy during the campaign by vowing that he would direct the NYPD to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he entered New York City, citing the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for alleged war crimes.
Muslim American leaders hail ‘historic rebuke of hate’
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) described Mamdani’s victory as a “historic turning point” for Muslim Americans and a rejection of Islamophobia in US politics.
“Mayor-Elect Mamdani’s ability to win while openly advocating for Palestinian human rights and facing a barrage of anti-Muslim hate is a landmark moment,” CAIR said in a statement. “It’s a powerful rebuke of Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism.”
The organization also praised New York’s youth and student activists for their role in the election. “Just one year after being vilified and brutalized for protesting the genocide in Gaza, these young people helped elect a mayor who supports justice and the right to peaceful protest,” CAIR added.
Mamdani is set to take office in January, succeeding Eric Adams. Political analysts say his victory could reshape the city’s political landscape and influence progressive movements nationwide. His administration is expected to focus on housing affordability, police accountability, and expanding access to essential services for marginalized communities.