34-Year-Old Socialist Zohran Mamdani Defeats Cuomo to Become New York City’s First Muslim Mayor

In a stunning political upset, 34-year-old Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, has been elected Mayor of New York City, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican contender Curtis Sliwa.

Mamdani, a Uganda-born state assemblymember, will make history as New York City’s first Muslim mayor, marking a dramatic shift in the city’s political landscape.

The election was called shortly after polls closed at 9 p.m., with voter turnout reaching a record high — the largest for a mayoral race since 1969. More than two million votes were cast before polls closed, reflecting the race’s intense national attention.

Mamdani’s rapid ascent from local legislator to leader of America’s largest city has stunned the political establishment. Critics have expressed concern over his progressive, socialist agenda, questioning how it might reshape the city’s economy and governance.

President Donald Trump, reacting to the result, labeled Mamdani a “communist” and threatened to cut federal funding to New York if he assumes office. Trump had earlier endorsed Cuomo, his longtime political rival, in a bid to block Mamdani’s momentum.

A JL Partners/Daily Mail poll conducted before the election revealed mixed reactions among New Yorkers. About 9% of residents said they would “definitely” leave the city if Mamdani won, while another 25% (approximately 2.12 million people) said they would “consider” relocating.

The polling data underscores widespread unease over the city’s future direction under Mamdani’s leadership, as analysts warn of potential economic and political shifts following his historic victory.

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