New York: In a historic outcome, Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Indian-origin lawmaker, was on Tuesday declared the winner of the New York City mayoral election, defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani, a Democrat, will be the first Muslim, the first person of South Asian descent, and the youngest mayor in New York City’s 400-year history.
According to the Associated Press, Mamdani secured around 50.3% of the vote, while Cuomo, who contested as an independent, received about 41.6%. Republican Sliwa trailed with roughly 7.2%. More than two million ballots were cast in the election, marking the highest voter turnout since 1969.
Mamdani’s campaign centred on issues of affordability and equity, promising measures like city-run grocery stores, free public bus rides, expanded childcare support, and affordable housing. Exit polls showed that six in ten voters identified the cost of living as the city’s most urgent issue, while seven in ten called housing costs a “major problem”.
In his victory speech, the mayor-elect said: “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: “New York will remain a city of immigrants, a city built by immigrants, powered by immigrants, and as of tonight, led by an immigrant.” pic.twitter.com/QF3up3c4k0
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 5, 2025
“My friends, we have toppled a political dynasty,” he said while referring to Cuomo’s long-standing influence in state politics. Drawing inspiration from Indian history, Mamdani also quoted Jawaharlal Nehru, saying, “A moment comes, but rarely in history,” as he paid tribute to his mother, acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, and his father, professor Mahmood Mamdani.
“I wish Andrew Cuomo only the best in private life, but let tonight be the final time I utter his name as we turn the page on a politics that abandoned the many and answers only to the few,” he added.
Zohran Mamdani’s absolutely electric victory speech:
“I wish Andrew Cuomo only the best in private life, but let tonight be the final time I utter his name.”
So say we all. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/egHrLNYwgI
— BrooklynDad_Defiant!☮️ (@mmpadellan) November 5, 2025
Andrew Cuomo conceded defeat, saying his campaign had been a “caution flag that we are headed down a dangerous road” but congratulated Mamdani, acknowledging, “Tonight was their night.”
US president Donald Trump, who had earlier warned of potential federal funding cuts if Mamdani won, did not issue a direct reaction but posted on his social media platform: “TRUMP WASN’T ON THE BALLOT, AND SHUTDOWN, WERE THE TWO REASONS THAT REPUBLICANS LOST ELECTIONS TONIGHT.”
Watch here what Mamdani told Donald Trump..”turn the volume up”
BREAKING: In the most stunning moment of NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s acceptance speech, he directly calls out Trump, saying “Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up.”
— Really American 🇺🇸 (@ReallyAmerican1) November 5, 2025
Mamdani, who represents Queens in the New York State Assembly, will be sworn in as the 110th mayor of New York City on January 1, 2026. His victory, coinciding with Democratic wins in Virginia and New Jersey, is seen as a significant morale boost for the party ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Watch the video here: The Bollywood meltdown moment
As Mamdani ended his victory speech, ‘Dhoom Machale’ from the Bollywood movie Dhoom played in the background. Mamdani was on stage with his wife Rama Duwaji. The song had become almost synonymous with swag. Thus, netizens felt it was perhaps fitting that Dhoom Machale played at Mamdani’s victory event.
Zohran Mamdani’s victory speech just ended with the closing song “Dhoom Machale” 😱 pic.twitter.com/DJfFLFXcOz
— Saib Bilaval (@SaibBilaval) November 5, 2025
