Democrat Zohran Mamdani wins New York City mayoral race

NEW YORK, Nov. 05 (YPA) –  Democrat Zohran Mamdani has won the New York City mayoral race, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa.

The 34-year-old lawmaker’s victory makes him the city’s first Muslim mayor and one of the youngest to hold the office.

According to preliminary unofficial results, Mamdani, 34, received 50.4 percent of the vote, leading his closest competitor, independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, by approximately 9 percentage points.

The New York City Board of Elections reported Mamdani’s clear lead over his rivals following Tuesday’s vote. He is set to assume office on January 1, 2026.

A self-described Democratic Socialist, Mamdani currently serves in the New York State Assembly and was considered the frontrunner heading into the general election after securing a 12-point win in the Democratic primary under the city’s ranked-choice voting system.

Born in Uganda and raised in New York City, Mamdani is a New York State Assembly member and a democratic socialist. He is the son of Indian filmmaker Mira Nair and Ugandan author Mahmood Mamdani, who has Indian ancestry. Mamdani gained national attention earlier this year after upsetting Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary.

His campaign centered on an ambitious progressive platform, including free city bus service, universal childcare, and a rent freeze for rent-stabilized apartments, financed through higher taxes on the wealthy.

Political observers say Mamdani’s victory could resonate beyond New York, strengthening the profile of the city’s growing progressive movement and signaling broader shifts within the Democratic Party.

He will make history as New York City’s first Muslim mayor, the first of South Asian descent, and one of the youngest mayors elected in modern times.

@E.Y.M