New York May Elect Its First Muslim Mayor in History

Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani has won the Democratic primary in the race for New York City mayor, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in a surprising upset. The result marks a dramatic twist in a race many assumed was Cuomo’s to lose.

The 33-year-old politician, a Muslim of Ugandan-Indian descent, secured 43.5% of the vote with 93% of ballots counted, while Cuomo received 36.4%. Although New York uses a ranked-choice voting system, Mamdani declared victory on Tuesday night, calling the moment «historic.»

«Tonight, we made history. I will be your Democratic nominee for Mayor of New York City,» Mamdani told his supporters.

Andrew Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 following sexual harassment allegations, acknowledged defeat and congratulated Mamdani, calling his campaign «smart and effective.» However, he did not rule out an independent run in the November general election, stating that he would make a final decision once the ranked-choice results are fully published.

Mamdani’s victory signals an ideological shift within the Democratic Party. His platform includes free city bus service, universal childcare, a rent freeze, and the creation of municipal grocery stores funded by a tax on the wealthy. He has received endorsements from progressive icons Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders.

In New York City, winning the Democratic primary is often equivalent to winning the election, given the party’s dominance. If victorious in November, Mamdani would become the first Muslim and the first Indian-American to serve as mayor of New York City.