Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani has become the first Muslim, millennial, and South Asian Mayor of New York City.
In a hotly-contested election, Mamdani beat former New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo (running as an independent) and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
More than two million people voted, the biggest turnout since the 1960s.
Media outlets including CNN and The Associated Press called the election within 40 minutes of polls closing.
Who is Mamdani?
Mamdani was born in Uganda to Indian parents. When he is sworn in on 1 January 2026, he will be the first Muslim and South Asian person to become Mayor, and the youngest in more than a century.
He was previously a member of New York State’s lower house.
Mamdani identifies politically as a democratic socialist, which means he believes in establishing socialist policies through traditional political systems.
He campaigned on cost-of-living relief, including rent freezes, free buses, and free universal childcare.
Mamdani was open about his support for Palestine and Palestinian-Americans, and also told late night host Stephen Colbert: “I believe [Israel] has a right to exist and a responsibility... to uphold international law.”
Mamdani regularly posted on his social media accounts during his campaign.
On his Instagram – which has five million followers – Mamdani documented his 2024 New York Marathon run and collaborated with account SubwayTakes, actor Ilana Glazer, and model Emily Ratajkowski.
Mamdani also hosted a briefing with mainly Gen Z social media personalities one week before the election.
Endorsement
Mamdani was endorsed by Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, andunions representing New York services.
Despite running as an independent and the presence of a Republican candidate in the race, Andrew Cuomo was endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
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On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said “a vote for [Republican] Curtis Sliwa... is a vote for Mamdani” and that voters “must vote for [Cuomo].”
Trump said it was “highly unlikely” he would “contribut[e] federal funds, other than the very minimum as required” to New York City if Mamdani won.
This U.S. financial year, the federal Government provided 6.4% of New York City’s operating budget, totalling $US7.4 billion ($AU11 billion).
The majority of this funding is received through grants, supporting areas including education, health, and housing.
Election Day
This year’s mayoral election attracted the largest voter turnout in decades.
The NYC Board of Elections said voting numbers reached twomillion for the first time since 1969.
Mamdani attracted just over 50% of the NYC Mayoral vote.
Speaking to supporters on election night, Mamdani said: “You have delivered a mandate for change.”
Mamdani said his election is “a new age... defined by a competence and a compassion.”
In Cuomo’s concession speech, he told supporters to ”feel proud because we fought our hearts out”.
Cuomo congratulated Mamdani and urged all New Yorkers to unite for “the greatest city in the world.”
The mayoral election was one of several held across the U.S. on Tuesday (local time).
In Virginia, Democrat Abigail Spanberger was elected as the state’s first female Governor, while fellow Democrat Mikie Sherrill was elected as Governor of New Jersey.
The next major elections in the U.S. will be held in November 2026. At the federal level, the midterm elections will see every seat in the lower house and a third of Senate seats up for election.
Across the country, 36 states will vote to elect governors, and 46 will vote for members of their state parliaments.
