Mamdani’s victory coalition stretched from trendy Brooklyn neighborhoods to diverse immigrant communities across Queens. His rise puts a democratic socialist in City Hall and signals a shift in the city’s political energy.

He defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo for the second time this year, after already beating him in the Democratic primary in June. Curtis Sliwa, the Republican nominee, trailed far behind.

Speaking to a packed crowd in Brooklyn on election night, Mamdani celebrated the moment as a win for ordinary New Yorkers — delivery riders, taxi drivers, restaurant workers, and families struggling to afford the city.

“You chose to believe in something bigger,” he said. “Tonight, against every expectation, we proved what’s possible. The future belongs to us.”

Voter turnout surpassed two million — the highest in a New York municipal election in over 50 years.

A year ago, Mamdani was seen as a long-shot candidate with limited name recognition. But his message about affordability, his social-media savvy, and his hopeful, energetic style drew especially strong support from young voters and immigrant households.

His election is historic:

• He will be the youngest mayor of New York City since the 1800s.

• The first Muslim mayor in the city’s history.

• The first South Asian mayor, born in Uganda to Indian parents.

• The first naturalized immigrant to lead the city since Mayor Abraham Beame in the 1970s.

Mamdani campaigned on reshaping the city’s priorities, including:

• Increasing taxes on wealthy residents

• Making public buses and child care free

• Implementing a rent freeze on regulated apartments

• Reforming the NYPD, which he has sharply criticized

But enacting these proposals will be difficult. The state government — including Governor Kathy Hochul — controls much of the city’s funding authority. Major business interests and many Jewish community leaders remain wary of his policies.

And standing above all of this is President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly singled out Mamdani, calling him “my little communist mayor” during campaign speeches. Trump endorsed Cuomo the day before Election Day and has warned he may limit federal funding or even send in the National Guard if Mamdani “goes too far.”

The election also caps a turbulent period in city government. Former Mayor Eric Adams, once considered a re-election favorite, was derailed by federal corruption charges last year. He eventually withdrew from the race and endorsed Cuomo, though the endorsement did little to change the outcome. Adams has since said he will support a “smooth transition” to the new administration.

The final weeks of the campaign were tense and emotional, with both sides trading accusations — Mamdani’s team accusing Cuomo of protecting wealthy donors at the expense of housing and transit, while Cuomo’s camp painted Mamdani as radical and dangerous. Some of Cuomo’s late-stage messaging leaned into fears about Mamdani’s background and religion, intensifying backlash.

On election night, Cuomo conceded in Manhattan, telling supporters they fought a worthy campaign. He attempted to silence boos after congratulating Mamdani.

“This was a fight worth having,” Cuomo said. “Tonight belongs to them. We continue tomorrow.”

Mamdani will officially take office on January 1.