Zohran Mamdani has made history by winning the New York City mayor’s race after a record voter turnout on Tuesday. He is the city’s first Muslim mayor, the first of South Asian heritage, and the first person born in Africa to hold the position. At 34, he will also be the youngest mayor New York has had in more than 100 years when he officially takes office on January 1.

More than two million people voted in this election, the highest participation seen in over three decades. Mamdani, a Democrat, defeated former Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. He secured more than 50% of the total votes, showing strong support in the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. Cuomo performed better in Staten Island and some parts of southern Brooklyn and Queens.

Mamdani’s campaign connected deeply with young voters because he focused on key issues like affordable housing, cost of living, and progressive change. He first defeated Cuomo in the Democratic primary. Later, Cuomo ran as an independent but still lost, getting around 40% of the total vote.

During his campaign, Mamdani promised several welfare-oriented policies. He plans to make city buses free, offer free childcare for children up to age five, and freeze rent for residents living in rent-stabilized apartments. His vision for New York centers on making life easier and more affordable for working-class families.

Who is Zohran Mamdani

Zohran Mamdani was previously a state assemblyman representing part of Queens. He is known for being active on social media and for his clear focus on helping people struggling with housing and financial issues. Born in Kampala, Uganda, Mamdani moved to New York City with his family when he was seven years old. He is the son of award-winning filmmaker Mira Nair and well-known academic Mahmood Mamdani.

A graduate of New York’s public schools, he went on to study Africana Studies at Bowdoin College. Before entering politics, he worked as a housing counselor, helping low-income families in Queens avoid eviction. In 2018, he became a U.S. citizen. Mamdani later represented the 36th Assembly District, which includes Astoria, Ditmars-Steinway, and Astoria Heights. He was the first South Asian man and the first Ugandan to serve in the New York State Assembly, as well as only the third Muslim in its history.