In a stunning and history-making election, 34-year-old Zohran Mamdani has been elected as New York City’s next mayor, defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in a landslide. Mamdani secured more than 1.03 million votes, surpassing the combined total of his opponents — a powerful message from New Yorkers ready for change.
His win marks a milestone: Mamdani becomes the city’s first Muslim mayor and the first mayor of South Asian heritage. For many, his victory represents not just a political shift, but a cultural turning point for one of the world’s most diverse cities.
But the celebrations didn’t come without controversy. Long before the votes were cast, tensions simmered between Mamdani and former President Donald Trump, who had deep personal and business ties to New York. Earlier this year, Trump called a Mamdani victory “inconceivable,” labeling him a “communist” and warning that federal funds could be withheld if he won.
In a Truth Social post before Election Day, Trump wrote:
“Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him and hope he does a fantastic job… Mamdani is not capable.”
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