NEW YORK (Kashmir English): A 34-year-old Muslim candidate, Zohran Mamdani, has been elected the new mayor of New York City against former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
The Associated Press called the race for Mamdani late Tuesday, shortly after polls closed, ending months of intense campaigning in America’s largest city.
His victory represents a generational and ideological shift in U.S. politics, contrasting sharply with the establishment politics embodied by his opponent, Andrew Cuomo.
Mamdani’s focus on working-class issues, housing affordability, and social equity resonated deeply with voters. Supporters gathered at the Brooklyn Paramount Theatre on election night to celebrate what many called a transformative moment for New York’s 8.4 million residents.
Decision Desk HQ projects Zohran Mamdani to win the New York City Mayor election.#DecisionMade: 9:03 pm ET
Follow live results on our website. pic.twitter.com/JLV4vXwznG
— Decision Desk HQ (@DecisionDeskHQ) November 5, 2025
Cuomo’s challenge
Cuomo, who ran as an independent after losing the primary in June, positioned the election as a “civil war within the Democratic Party.” He said an “extreme radical left” was challenging the party’s moderate wing — a tension that became central to the campaign narrative.
Even with the criticism, Mamdani’s message of inclusivity and reform resonated with voters looking for change. “He’s new and he’s fresh,” said Lucy Cordero, 68, a Bronx resident. “Maybe he can make a change and fix what’s messed up now.”
Even former Cuomo supporters switched sides. “I’m not as progressive as Mamdani, but he has integrity and a positive message,” said Alex Lawerance, a lawyer from Crown Heights. “I want to give the guy a chance.”
High turnout
Mamdani’s campaign attributed the record-breaking voter turnout to a “movement” that mobilized marginalized communities, particularly Muslim and South Asian voters.
“What we’re seeing today is the culmination of a year of work and a year of a movement,” said Dora Pekec, campaign press secretary. “High turnout is really great for us. We’re bringing new people into the political process.”
Democrats sweep key races nationwide
Beyond New York, Democrats made major gains across several states in what analysts describe as the first major electoral test of President Donald Trump’s second term.
Virginia: Abigail Spanberger is projected to become the state’s first female governor, defeating Republican Winsome Earle-Sears.
- New Jersey: Mikie Sherrill is projected to be the next governor, defeating Trump-backed Republican Jack Ciattarelli.
- Pennsylvania: Pittsburgh’s mayoral race is likely to be won by Democrat Corey O’Connor.
- Ohio: Aftab Pureval is projected to secure re-election as the mayor of Cincinnati.
- Massachusetts: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu was poised to win her second term unopposed.
- Georgia: Andre Dickens projected to be re-elected Atlanta mayor
Ghazala Hashmi makes history in Virginia
In another milestone, Ghazala Hashmi was projected to win the lieutenant governor’s race in Virginia, becoming the first Muslim and Indian American to hold statewide office in the southern state.
Hashmi’s victory also marks the first time a Muslim woman has won statewide office in American history. Her victory was celebrated by civil rights organizations, including CAIR – the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
