Zohran Mamdani elected New York City’s first Muslim mayor

Zohran Mamdani will become the next mayor of New York City, making history as the first Muslim and person of South Asian descent — as well as the youngest in over a century — to hold the post.

The 34-year-old Ugandan-born democratic socialist defeated Independent candidate and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican contender Curtis Sliwa in the November 4 election, Caliber.Az reports, citing US media.

Mamdani’s victory marks a stunning political rise. A year ago, he was a relatively unknown state assemblymember representing Queens. After entering a crowded Democratic primary, Mamdani quickly gained traction with a bold progressive platform and grassroots energy. He went on to win the June primary by a 12-point margin, propelling him into the national spotlight as one of America’s most talked-about political figures.

His campaign centred on making the city more affordable and equitable. Among his key pledges are introducing fare-free bus service, freezing rent for stabilized apartments, expanding universal childcare, raising the minimum wage by 2030, and funding these initiatives by increasing taxes on large corporations and the wealthiest 1% of New Yorkers.

Mamdani has also vowed to stand firm against President Donald Trump, who frequently attacked him during the campaign, labelling him a “communist” and threatening to cut federal funds to New York City if Mamdani were elected.

While critics have questioned Mamdani’s relative inexperience and the feasibility of his ambitious policy goals, his message of economic justice and inclusivity struck a powerful chord with younger and first-time voters. His campaign leveraged social media effectively, combining optimism and authenticity to mobilise tens of thousands of volunteers and energise the city’s progressive base.

Despite controversies surrounding his outspoken criticism of Israel’s policies in Gaza — a stance that alienated some voters within the city’s large Jewish community — Mamdani maintained strong momentum throughout the race.

Polls leading up to Election Day showed him with a comfortable double-digit advantage. Within an hour of polls closing, the results confirmed what many had anticipated: Mamdani’s grassroots-driven campaign had delivered a decisive victory.

By Vugar Khalilov