New York City has elected Zohran Mamdani as its 111th mayor, marking a historic moment for the city. The 34-year-old democratic socialist, currently a state assembly member from Queens, is set to become the first Muslim mayor of New York, as well as the first mayor of South Asian descent and the youngest mayor in over a century.
The victory has resonated across various circles, including the arts and entertainment industry. Actor Namit Das shared throwback photos from 2017, congratulating Mamdani on his win. Das's post alluded to Mamdani's past as a rapper, reminiscing about their time together rehearsing for "Monsoon Wedding: The Musical" in New York City. "This was back in 2017 — when Zohran was still a rapper," Das wrote, "and we were rehearsing for Monsoon Wedding: The Musical in NYC". Das added, “This is massive. This is historic. And it feels deeply personal because it's happening to people I love and respect so much”.
Mamdani's journey to the mayoral office has been described as a meteoric rise. After graduating from Bowdoin College in 2014, where he majored in Africana studies and worked on The Bowdoin Orient, he worked as a foreclosure prevention housing counselor in Queens. He was elected to the New York State Assembly in 2020 and re-elected in 2022 and 2024. Mamdani announced his mayoral candidacy in October 2024 and secured the Democratic nomination after defeating ten other candidates in the June 2025 primary.
In the general election, Mamdani defeated independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, the former governor of New York, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. The mayoral race saw a voter turnout of over two million, the highest since 1969. Mamdani garnered over one million votes, securing 50.4% of the total, while Cuomo received 41.6%.
Mamdani's campaign focused on issues of affordability, including universal child care, free bus transport, and a rent freeze affecting approximately one million rent-regulated New Yorkers. In his victory speech, Mamdani promised "relentless improvement" and the "most aggressive affordability agenda since Fiorello La Guardia". He also quoted Jawaharlal Nehru's "Tryst with Destiny" speech, emphasizing unity and inclusivity. "To get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us," Mamdani declared.
Mamdani's victory follows a campaign marked by what he described as Islamophobic comments from his rivals. In response, he affirmed, "We will refuse to allow those who traffic in division and hate to pit us against one in this moment of political darkness. New York will be the light".
His election has been widely celebrated, with figures like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer extending congratulations. "I congratulate Mayor-elect Mamdani on his well-earned and historic victory tonight," Schumer stated.
Mamdani's term is set to begin on January 1, with a swearing-in ceremony expected to take place in Times Square or City Hall.
