New York City saw a surprising turn of events as Democrat Zohran Mamdani won the mayoral race on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. His victory marks a historic moment for the country’s largest city and comes during President Donald Trump’s second term in the White House.
Mamdani, a 34-year-old state lawmaker from Queens, will become New York’s first Muslim mayor when he takes office in January 2026. His win came despite weeks of fierce criticism and attacks on his Muslim heritage and progressive policies from the president, business figures, and conservative media.
The Democrat campaigned on a platform focused on everyday challenges faced by working-class New Yorkers. He pledged to tackle the soaring cost of living, provide free city bus travel, expand childcare, and establish city-run grocery stores to make food more affordable. His simple, people-centered message resonated widely with voters across the five boroughs.
The election drew national attention as one of several key local contests offering an early test of political sentiment ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, when control of Congress will be at stake.
A Grassroots Movement and Strong Turnout
Before entering politics, Mamdani was known for his grassroots work in Queens. His informal, relatable approach and strong social media presence helped him connect with voters. Early in the campaign, few expected him to pose a serious challenge to former Governor Andrew Cuomo, yet Mamdani stunned the political establishment by defeating Cuomo in the Democratic primary.
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In the general election, he faced both Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels. Despite heavy opposition, Mamdani’s team built a large volunteer network that carried out a massive door-to-door canvassing effort across New York. His focus on affordability and fairness helped him dominate among younger and working-class voters.
Election officials reported a high voter turnout, with 1.45 million ballots cast by 3 p.m., exceeding total participation in the 2021 mayoral election. At his campaign’s election-night event in Brooklyn, supporters erupted in cheers as results confirmed his victory.
The celebration took place in a storied concert venue, where hundreds gathered to mark what many described as a new chapter in city politics. Mamdani, smiling and waving to the crowd, thanked volunteers and voters for believing in a campaign built “by the people and for the people.”
A Fierce and Divisive Race
The race was marked by sharp attacks and deep political divides. President Trump used his social media platform in the campaign’s final days to call Mamdani a “Jew hater,” posting that “any Jewish person that votes for Zohran Mamdani, a proven and self-professed JEW HATER, is a stupid person.” The post drew widespread condemnation from civil rights leaders and Democratic figures.
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Wealthy investor Bill Ackman and other business leaders also criticized Mamdani’s leftist agenda and funded his opponents. Conservative outlets, including The New York Post, ran extensive negative coverage. Despite these attacks, Mamdani’s support continued to grow among voters who saw him as an outsider willing to challenge powerful interests.
Curtis Sliwa, who finished third, accused Cuomo of refusing to step aside to strengthen the anti-Mamdani vote. Cuomo, for his part, argued that Democrats were in the midst of a “civil war,” with moderates battling what he called the “radical left.”
Political experts, including Professor Grant Reeher of Syracuse University, warned that Mamdani will face major challenges governing a divided city. “Everybody’s got their knives out, and it’s a very difficult city to govern,” Reeher said.
Democrats also scored key wins elsewhere. In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger defeated Winsome Earle-Sears, and in New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill beat Jack Ciattarelli. Former President Barack Obama campaigned for both Democratic candidates over the weekend, while President Trump hosted tele-rallies for their Republican rivals.
Together, these victories signaled a strong night for Democrats across the country and underscored shifting political winds as the nation moves toward another critical election year.
