Mamdani has secured just over half of the votes, with 90 percent of ballots counted. He has defeated former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who garnered just over 41 percent of the votes. Cuomo ran as an independent candidate after losing the Democratic primary to Mamdani in June.
“Thank you to the next generation of New Yorkers who refused to accept that the promise of a better future was a relic of the past,” Mamdani stated in his victory speech. He highlighted a crucial factor in his success: the youth vote.
Mamdani’s victory is not surprising, as he has led in the polls for weeks. However, his rapid rise in recent months has been noteworthy. With very progressive positions, including free public transportation and a freeze on rent, he has managed to energize many New Yorkers.
In recent weeks, Trump has expressed his disdain for Mamdani, labeling him a “communist.” He has also mocked the politician for his appearance and voice. Earlier this week, Trump reiterated his threat to withhold funding from New York if Mamdani wins.
However, many established Democratic leaders have notably refrained from taking a strong stance leading up to the election. They fear that Mamdani’s progressive and leftist positions could alienate voters.
Mamdani was not born in the United States. He was born in Uganda to Indian parents and moved to New York at the age of seven. This is not unprecedented; The New York Times has reported that more than twenty mayors in the city’s history have been born outside the U.S.
