Zohran Mamdani has made history in American politics after winning an epic victory in a divisive race to become the first ever Muslim mayor of New York City.
Mamdani, 34, defeated independent candidate and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in a historic victory for the Democratic party’s progressive wing.
In a speech to supporters, Mamdani acknowledged New Yorkers who voted for him, saying he is grateful for the chance.
“Thank you for the opportunity to prove myself worthy of your trust. I will wake each morning with a singular purpose: to make this city better for you than it was the day before.”
Mamdani reiterates some of his policy pledges, including free universal child care, while promising to drive an “age of relentless improvement.” Mamdani wrapped up his speech by telling New Yorkers the “city belongs to you.”
The outgoing NYC mayor Eric Adams, who had endorsed Cuomo, has congratulated Mamdani, while acknowledging the anxieties who those who opposed the self-described democratic socialist’s candidacy.
“As our democracy, we will move together to ensure this city is a city that hears the voices for everyone,” Adams said in a video posted on X.
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“And I can promise you, as your former mayor and as a former member of the New York City Police Department, I will be committed to ensure your safety and your acceptance in the city that we all love.”
Cuomo congratulated Mamdani on his electoral win, saying at an election night rally that “tonight was their night, and as they start to transition to government, we will all help any way we can.”
“We will unite for New York City, because we love New York City, and from the bottom of my heart, I thank each and every one of you,” he told supporters.
Mamdani, an avowed democratic socialist, has run a campaign focused on affordability and social services, promising free buses, universal childcare, city-run grocery stores, rent-stabilised housing and a plan to raise the minimum wage to $30 per hour by 2030.
He has also pledged that he would order the New York Police Department (NYPD) to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he enter the city, citing the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against him over war crimes in Gaza.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said Mamdani’s victory marks a “historic turning point” for Muslim Americans.
“Mayor-Elect Mamdani’s ability to win while openly advocating for Palestinian human rights and experiencing a barrage of anti-Muslim hate also marks a historic rebuke of both Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism in politics,” CAIR said in a statement.
“We commend the college students and other young people in New York City who, just one year after being smeared and brutalized for protesting the genocide in Gaza, helped elect a mayor who vocally opposes that genocide and supports the right to peaceful protest,” it added.
