In a groundbreaking political upset, 34-year-old Zohran Mamdani has been elected as the next mayor of New York City, defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo in a closely watched race that signalled a major shift toward progressive politics in America’s largest city.

Mamdani, a state assemblyman and democratic socialist of Ugandan-Indian descent, will be sworn in on January 1, 2026, becoming the first Muslim, first South Asian, and one of the youngest mayors in New York’s history.

The election results showed Mamdani winning just over 50 percent of the vote, while Cuomo, who ran as an independent after losing the Democratic primary, secured about 41 percent. Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa trailed far behind.

Mamdani’s campaign was anchored on bold, people-centered policies, including a rent freeze for rent-stabilized apartments, free bus transit, universal childcare, and community-owned grocery programs aimed at combating New York’s growing cost-of-living crisis.

His victory was bolstered by strong grassroots support from younger voters, immigrant communities, and progressives, as well as endorsements from high-profile figures like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

“This is a victory for every New Yorker who’s ever felt unheard, unseen, or left behind,” Mamdani told a cheering crowd at his victory party. “The future belongs to those who build it — and together, we’ll build a city that works for the many, not the wealthy few.”

Political analysts say Mamdani’s win marks a significant moment in the city’s political history, reflecting growing frustration with establishment politics and rising enthusiasm for reform-minded leaders. His success also underscores the increasing influence of minority and immigrant voices in shaping New York’s future.

However, the new mayor faces immediate challenges, including managing a strained city budget, addressing homelessness and public safety concerns, and navigating relationships with a city council that may resist some of his more ambitious reforms.

Still, Mamdani’s victory is being celebrated across New York and beyond as a defining moment in U.S. urban politics — one that captures the city’s evolving identity and the growing strength of a younger, more diverse electorate.