Zohran Mamdani has been officially elected as the 111th mayor of New York City, becoming the first Indian-American and Muslim to hold the office.
In a gripping three-way race, Mamdani defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
As polls closed just after 9 p.m., the mood across the city turned electric. By night’s end, the message was clear: New Yorkers had chosen change.
A Game-Changing Campaign
Mamdani’s road to victory broke every political norm. His campaign was powered by people, not big donors, a movement grounded in community energy and grassroots passion.
He won support from progressives, young voters, and working-class New Yorkers seeking something real.
Senator Bernie Sanders praised his triumph, saying: “Starting at 1% in the polls, Zohran Mamdani pulled off one of the great political upsets in modern American history.”
Sanders added, “I look forward to working with Zohran as he builds a city that works for all.”
A Win Beyond Politics
For South Asian and Muslim Americans, this wasn’t just an election; it was history in motion. Amid a climate of division, Mamdani’s victory symbolised representation, resilience, and belonging.
Across New York, people celebrated. Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn, the city came alive.
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) November 5, 2025
Japneet Singh, an activist from Queens, said: “Growing up in NYC post-9/11, I never thought I would see a South Asian mayor in my lifetime.”
In Astoria, Mamdani’s neighbourhood, pubs and restaurants were packed as residents watched the results roll in. When the announcement came, the city erupted, music, cheers, and dancing till dawn.
Aditi Paul, an education strategist, summed it up: “Zohran is in the air!”
She added, “Mamdani went from rapping kanda chap chap to being the mayor of New York City in a span of 10 years. If this is not the most New York thing ever, I don’t know what is.”
A New Era for New York
Mamdani’s vision for equality, affordability, and justice united voters from all walks of life. His success proved that authenticity can outshine wealth in politics.
Saikat Chakrabarti, a congressional candidate from California, noted, “Zohran just proved that it does not matter how much money they throw at you. Organised people will defeat organised money if you stand for real change.”
Grassroots groups like @HindusforZohran even held a special pooja before election day, praying for his success, a testament to his wide-reaching appeal.
Activist Ruchira Gupta said, “Zohran effectively broke into many circles, including the liberal Jews who voted in big numbers for Zohran.”
Entrepreneur Anip Patel added, “Zohran Mamdani is the new Mayor of NYC, making a historic moment in the city’s political landscape. A noteworthy moment in history, and a night that will be studied and discussed in the years to come.”
From Astoria’s buzzing streets to communities across India and the UK, one name now echoes with pride, Zohran Mamdani.
