Zohran Mamdani will be NYC’s youngest mayor since 1892, and its first Muslim and first Africa-born mayor.

He defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Silwa despite minimal early funding.

Upset Against the Establishment

Mamdani launched his 2024 challenge with “next to no name recognition,” little money, and no institutional party support. His victory over Cuomo, a onetime governor from a political dynasty, was portrayed as a setback for the Democratic establishment.

Mamdani advocated free childcare, expanded public transportation, and broader state intervention in markets. He emphasized economic priorities important to working-class voters who have drifted from Democrats, while remaining aligned with the party’s cultural left.

“Who we are fighting to serve”

Mamdani criticized Israel’s conduct in Gaza and said he would arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “as a war criminal” if he entered the city. President Donald Trump said it would be “hard” to send money to New York if Mamdani won.

Democrats also won gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia. “What binds all of us together is … working people,” Mamdani said.