New York , November 5, 2025 : In a landmark political moment, Zohran Mamdani has scripted history by becoming the first South Asian and Muslim to be elected as the Mayor of New York City, marking a monumental shift in the political landscape of the United States’ largest metropolis.
At 34, Mamdani defeated Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent candidate backed by former President Donald Trump. His victory follows a stunning upset over Cuomo in the Democratic primary earlier this year.
Running on a Democratic Socialist platform, Mamdani’s campaign focused on affordability, housing, public transport, and social welfare, promising a city that works for working-class New Yorkers.
“Zohran Mamdani is running to lower the cost of living for working-class New Yorkers,” his campaign had declared, resonating deeply with the city’s youth and middle-income voters struggling with high rents and rising costs.
Born in Kampala, Uganda, to acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair and Columbia University professor Mahmood Mamdani, Zohran moved to New York at the age of seven and became a naturalised US citizen in 2018.
A graduate of the Bronx High School of Science and Bowdoin College, Mamdani’s early work as a foreclosure prevention housing counsellor shaped his vision for economic justice. His experience representing working-class homeowners in Queens inspired his entry into politics.
Elected to the New York State Assembly in 2020, Mamdani represented the 36th District, including Astoria and Ditmars-Steinway. He became the first South Asian man, first Ugandan, and third Muslim to serve in the Assembly — a milestone he built upon with his latest win.
🔹 Key Promises & Vision
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Freeze rent for all stabilised tenants.
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Fare-free, faster city buses through expanded priority lanes and infrastructure.
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Universal childcare for children aged six weeks to five years.
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City-owned grocery stores to ensure affordable food prices.
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Affordable housing powered by public investment, not corporate profit.
During his campaign, Mamdani faced skepticism over his relative inexperience but countered critics with his record of advocacy — including a hunger strike with taxi drivers that secured $450 million in debt relief, and efforts that brought $100 million in the state budget for enhanced subway services.
“The cost of living is crushing working people, but I believe government can lower costs and make life easier,” Mamdani said after his victory speech. “We will build a city where no one is priced out of their home, their commute, or their future.”
Political observers say Mamdani’s victory signals a generational and ideological transformation in U.S. urban politics — a shift from establishment centrism to progressive populism.
With Mamdani now at the helm, New York City — the citadel of capitalism — enters a new era led by a democratic socialist, determined to redefine governance in one of the world’s most powerful cities.
Zohran Mamdani Makes History 🗳️
New York elects its first South Asian & Muslim Mayor!
At 34, #ZohranMamdani — son of filmmaker Mira Nair — defeats Curtis Sliwa & Andrew Cuomo in a landmark NYC race.
A Democratic Socialist, Mamdani vows to tackle soaring living costs with rent freezes, fare-free buses & city-owned groceries.
A new era begins in the citadel of capitalism — led by a son of immigrants. 🌆
