Zohran Mamdani Becomes The First Muslim Mayor of New York

November 5, 2025

Zohran Mamdani, 34-year-old Democratic socialist, defeats Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa to become New York City’s first Muslim mayor.

Photo via Zohran Mamdani/Twitter/X

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Key Takeaways

Victory came despite attacks from President Trump and business leaders
Zohran Mamdani becomes NYC’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor
Defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa

NEW YORK — Zohran Mamdani has been elected as New York City’s first Muslim mayor.

The 34-year-old Democratic socialist defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa in a closely watched election that tested the political landscape during Donald Trump’s second presidency.

About Zohran Mamdani

Born in Uganda
New York’s youngest mayor
Became a US citizen in 2018
Democrat

Mamdani, born in Uganda to Indian parents and raised in New York from age seven, declared victory after a campaign focused on reducing living costs for ordinary residents. “The next and last stop is City Hall,” Mamdani announced in a social media video following his victory.

The mayor-elect faced fierce opposition throughout his campaign, including direct attacks from President Trump who labeled him a “Jew hater” on social media.

Business leaders including Bill Ackman mobilized against Mamdani’s candidacy, while conservative media outlets provided uniformly negative coverage of his progressive platform.

Mamdani’s agenda includes rent freezes for stabilized apartments, free bus service, universal childcare, city-operated grocery stores, and increased taxes on wealthy residents and corporations. These proposals generated concern within New York’s financial community about the city’s economic competitiveness.

The victory represents a win for both Muslim representation in American politics and the Democratic Party’s internal debate between centrist and progressive factions.

Mamdani’s informal campaign style, featuring social media clips of him conversing with voters on city streets, resonated with New Yorkers prioritizing affordability and addressing economic inequality.

The election occurred alongside other Democratic successes in Virginia and New Jersey governor races, suggesting shifting political dynamics as the nation approaches midterm elections. Former President Barack Obama welcomed the results, stating “the future looks a little bit brighter” following the Democratic victories.