Zohran Mamdani Wins New York Mayoral Race, Becomes City’s First Muslim Mayor

Overview

• With roughly 50.3%–50.4% of the vote, Mamdani defeated independent Andrew Cuomo, as Republican Curtis Sliwa trailed in single digits in an election with the highest New York City turnout in decades.
• President Trump attacked Mamdani on Truth Social, called Jews who vote for him “stupid,” and reiterated threats to limit federal funding for New York after the result.
• In his victory speech, Mamdani pledged to defend immigrants and lower living costs, highlighting plans for rent freezes, free municipal transit, universal childcare, and city-run supermarkets.
• Fiscal analysts questioned the revenue projections behind his agenda, and Governor Kathy Hochul has resisted state tax hikes, setting up negotiations as Mamdani prepares to take office on January 1, 2026.
• The result capped a strong night for Democrats that included gubernatorial wins in New Jersey and Virginia, which analysts say could shape the landscape heading into the 2026 midterms.