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South Asian Democrats Secure Landmark Wins in NYC, Virginia and Cincinnati

The results are being cast as a lift for Democrats, a message to Trump.

Overview

  • Zohran Mamdani won the New York City mayoral race with just over 50% and more than one million votes in a turnout exceeding two million, becoming the city’s first Muslim and first South Asian mayor after defeating Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa.
  • Virginia state senator Ghazala Hashmi won the lieutenant governor race, projected by the Associated Press at 53% to 47% over John Reid, and is described as the first Muslim woman elected to statewide office in the United States.
  • Hashmi’s elevation will vacate her Senate seat, which officials say will be filled through a special election now being planned.
  • Aftab Pureval secured a second term as Cincinnati mayor, defeating Republican Cory Bowman—Vice President J.D. Vance’s half-brother—with over 79% in early returns as 90% of precincts reported.
  • National coverage highlighted record participation in New York, framed the trio’s victories as a partisan boost that undercut Trump’s influence, noted Obama’s public congratulations, and pointed to next steps including Mamdani’s January 1, 2026 swearing-in.