Progressive leader Zohran Mamdani’s rise marks a turning point in U.S. politics. The 34-year-old Muslim of Ugandan descent became the new mayor of New York, defeating establishment favorite Andrew Cuomo in elections overshadowed by President Trump’s open hostility. 

Projections from AP, NBC, and CNN showed Mamdani winning over 50 % of the vote, with Cuomo trailing at 40 %. Republican Curtis Sliwa finished far behind, despite a campaign centered on public safety and anti-immigration rhetoric. 

Democrats also celebrated victories in Virginia and New Jersey, signaling growing opposition momentum ahead of next year’s midterms. 

Mamdani, who cast his ballot early in Queens with his wife Rama Duwaji, told supporters the city was “about to make history by leaving behind the politics of the past.”

Since his upset victory in the primaries, his campaign has embodied grassroots energy rarely seen in American politics—built on social activism, community organizing, and a clear break from the party establishment. 

Trump repeatedly attacked Mamdani, calling him a “communist” and a “confessed Jew-hater.” On Truth Social, he warned that “if Mamdani wins, New York will get no more federal funds.”

The smear campaign, however, backfired. Mamdani’s grassroots movement mobilized nearly 90,000 volunteers and drew strong support from young and working-class voters. 

The new mayor’s platform focused on progressive reforms: free public transportation, universal childcare, affordable housing, and city-run grocery stores.

To fund these, he proposed a 2 % tax increase on million-dollar incomes and raising the corporate tax rate to 11.5 %, expected to bring in $9 billion annually. 

Support for Mamdani and the anger of Trump supporters

Mamdani gained endorsements from Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, while Barack Obama personally congratulated him after the win, praising his “bold and hopeful leadership.” 

Cuomo conceded defeat late Tuesday night, admitting, “The city chose change. I hope it’s ready for what that means.” Despite backing from major donors and Trump’s implicit support, he failed to overcome the progressive wave sweeping the nation’s largest city. 

Republican Curtis Sliwa emphasized law-and-order policies and lower taxes but struggled to reach beyond his base. “I’m the only one willing to lock up the criminals,” he declared—but finished with single-digit support. 

Tech mogul Elon Musk also weighed in, calling the New York ballot “a scam” on his platform X, arguing that its layout and ID-free process were “unfair and misleading.” 

Beyond the city, Democrats expanded their strength in key races. In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger became the state’s first female governor with 55 % of the vote, while in New Jersey, moderate Democrat Mikie Sherrill defeated Republican Jack Ciattarelli. 

Analysts say Mamdani’s victory sends a message that voters are weary of fear-driven politics and eager for a new generation of leadership rooted in equity and inclusion.