Zohran Mamdani’s Victory Marks Major Political Setback for Trump and Cuomo
New York City: In a stunning political upset, Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old state lawmaker of Indian origin, has been elected as the first Indian-American Muslim mayor of New York City, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo — who had the backing of Donald Trump — and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa.
Mamdani secured 50.2% of the vote (782,403 votes), while Cuomo trailed with 41.5% (646,951 votes) in a record-breaking turnout — the highest in over half a century for a New York mayoral race. The victory delivers a major blow to both Trump and Cuomo, whose alliance failed to sway a city grappling with deep economic frustrations and housing crises.
When he takes office on January 1, Mamdani will become the 111th and youngest mayor in New York City’s history. He will succeed Eric Adams, who had publicly supported Cuomo.
‘Dhoom Machale’ plays as Zohran Mamdani delivers victory speech after NYC mayoral win.
He makes history as New York City’s youngest and first Indian-American Muslim mayor.#ZohranMamdani #Mayor #NewYork #NYCMayor pic.twitter.com/Gc6IH4d6NO
— The Tatva (@thetatvaindia) November 5, 2025
Celebrating the milestone, Mamdani posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) showing a subway pulling into City Hall with the slogan “Zohran For New York City” emblazoned across the wall — a fitting tribute to his grassroots, people-centric campaign.
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) November 5, 2025
A self-described Bernie Sanders-inspired Democratic Socialist, Mamdani has built his platform around progressive reforms: fare-free public buses, rent freezes, city-owned grocery stores, and a $30 minimum wage by 2030. He has been a vocal supporter of congestion pricing, climate justice, and affordable housing, earning strong support from young voters, working-class residents, and immigrant communities.
On international issues, Mamdani has advocated for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, condemned illegal Israeli settlements, and called for a ceasefire in Gaza — while emphasizing opposition to antisemitism and recognition of Israel’s right to exist.
Mamdani is the son of renowned filmmaker Mira Nair and Ugandan-born Indian scholar Mahmood Mamdani. Despite being relatively unknown beyond his Queens district until recently, his energetic, door-to-door campaign galvanized diverse voters frustrated by New York’s soaring living costs and political stagnation.
Trump had earlier warned on Truth Social that a Mamdani victory would lead to an “economic and social disaster” and hinted at cutting federal funding to New York — a threat that seemingly backfired, fueling turnout among Mamdani’s supporters.
With this win, Zohran Mamdani not only breaks historical barriers of race and religion in American urban politics but also signals a generational shift — one that places progressive, inclusive, and working-class issues at the forefront of New York’s future.
