Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has officially won the New York City mayoral election, making history as the first Muslim to lead America’s largest city.
His victory marks a major moment for the progressive left, defeating a powerful establishment alliance led by former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
According to the Associated Press, the race was called less than an hour after polls closed, with Mamdani holding a strong nine-point lead.
More than two million voters participated — the highest turnout for a NYC mayoral race since 1969. Mamdani is set to be inaugurated on January 1, 2026.
Mamdani’s campaign resonated with working-class voters through a clear message: tackling the rising cost of living and defending human rights.
Unlike many establishment candidates, Mamdani took a firm stance on social justice issues, supporting Palestinian rights and opposing genocide — positions that connected deeply with younger and diverse communities.

Zohran Mamdani
His success was also fueled by a strong digital campaign strategy, highlighting his charisma and grassroots movement. Support from Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez further boosted his reach among progressive voters.
Despite facing intense opposition — including Islamophobic attacks, negative media coverage, and millions in funding for anti-Mamdani PACs — his campaign stood resilient. Mamdani’s team reported knocking on over three million doors, mobilizing an unprecedented wave of volunteers and first-time voters.
Speaking to supporters, Mamdani reaffirmed his message of equality and inclusion:
“The dream of every Muslim is simply to be treated like any other New Yorker. We’ve been told to ask for less — but no more.”
With his victory, Zohran Mamdani not only breaks barriers of faith and identity but also signals a shift in the city’s political landscape — one led by progressive ideals, social equity, and the collective power of the people.