Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani won the New York mayoral race on Tuesday, defeating independent candidate former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa to become the first Muslim mayor in the city’s history.
“New York tonight, you have delivered a mandate for change, a mandate for a new kind of politics, a mandate for a city we can afford and the mandate for a government that delivers exactly that,” Mamdani told supporters at a victory party.
President Donald Trump has called Mamdani a “communist lunatic” and, before the election on Tuesday, threatened to withhold federal funding to New York City if Mamdani were to win.
Addressing President Donald Trump by name in his victory speech Tuesday night, Mamdani said, “Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching — I have four words for you: Turn the volume up.”
“New York will remain a city of immigrants, a city built by immigrants, powered by immigrants — and as of tonight, led by an immigrant,” Mamdani continued.
“So hear me, President Trump, when I say this, to get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us. When we enter City Hall in 58 days, expectations will be high. We will meet them,” he added.
Following the announcement of Mamdani’s projected victory, Cuomo conceded the race. He commended New Yorkers for showing up to vote in record numbers.
“Congratulations to Zohran Mamdani,” Cuomo said, before being interrupted by loud booing from the audience. “No, no, that is not right,” Cuomo interrupted his supporters.
“That is not right, and that is not us. Tonight is their night, and as they start to transition, we will all help in any way we can, because we need our New York City government to work. We want it to work for all New Yorkers,” Cuomo said.
