Zohran Mamdani wins New York City’s 2025 mayoral race, becoming the city’s first Muslim and Indian-origin mayor after a record-breaking election turnout.
Zohran Mamdani Elected as New York City’s First Indian-Origin and Muslim Mayor
TheInterviewTimes.com | New York | November5, 2025 — Zohran Mamdani has made history as the 111th mayor of New York City, marking a transformative moment in the city’s political landscape. The 34-year-old Democratic nominee defeated independent candidate and former governor Andrew Cuomo, as well as Republican Curtis Sliwa, in a decisive victory on November 4, 2025. Major networks, including CBS, NBC, and CNN, projected Zohran Mamdani as the winner shortly after polls closed, with the Associated Press confirming the result by 9:59 p.m. ET.
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) November 5, 2025
Zohran Mamdani: Breaking Barriers and Making History
Born in Kampala, Uganda, on October 18, 1991, Zohran Mamdani becomes not only the youngest mayor in more than a century but also the first Indian-origin and Muslim mayor in New York City’s history. His win symbolizes the growing influence of diverse communities in American politics.
At 34, Mamdani matches the age of John Purroy Mitchel, who became mayor in 1913. His election also follows the turbulent tenure of Eric Adams, who withdrew from the race amid federal corruption investigations.
Congratulations to all the Democratic candidates who won tonight. It’s a reminder that when we come together around strong, forward-looking leaders who care about the issues that matter, we can win. We’ve still got plenty of work to do, but the future looks a little bit brighter.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 5, 2025
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Indian Roots and a Global Upbringing
Zohran Mamdani was born to renowned Indian-origin parents—filmmaker Mira Nair, originally from Odisha, and scholar Mahmood Mamdani, whose family hails from Gujarat. His father’s Khoja Shia Muslim roots and his mother’s Punjabi Hindu background make Mamdani’s story a true reflection of India’s cultural diversity.
After spending his early years in Uganda and South Africa, Mamdani moved to New York City’s Upper West Side in 1999 when his father joined Columbia University. He became a U.S. citizen in 2018, holding dual U.S.–Ugandan citizenship. His upbringing across continents shaped his global perspective and progressive values, now central to his leadership vision.
Record Turnout Marks Zohran Mamdani’s Win
The New York City Board of Elections reported more than two million ballots cast—its highest mayoral turnout since 1969. Early voting surpassed 735,000, five times more than in 2021. Zohran Mamdani’s grassroots campaign energized younger and first-time voters across boroughs, reflecting his appeal to working-class communities and immigrant families.
With 83% of votes counted, Mamdani led with 948,202 votes (50.6%), according to live results from the Board of Elections. NBC News exit polls revealed that Mamdani dominated among voters under 45 and those prioritizing housing and transit reform.
Path to Victory: Defeating Cuomo and Sliwa
Zohran Mamdani’s victory followed a fierce Democratic primary battle, where he defeated Andrew Cuomo by 56% to 44%. Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 after a sexual harassment scandal, ran as an independent with support from billionaire donors and an endorsement from former President Donald Trump.
Despite the high-profile challenge, Mamdani maintained a strong progressive base, supported by grassroots organizers and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, finished a distant third.
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Zohran Mamdani’s Campaign Platform and Vision
A self-described democratic socialist, Zohran Mamdani built his campaign on a promise to make New York City more equitable. His key proposals included:
- Rent freeze for the city’s one million rent-stabilized apartments.
- Fare-free public buses to improve accessibility.
- Universal childcare for working families.
- City-owned grocery stores to combat food deserts.
- A $30 minimum wage by 2030.
To fund these ambitious initiatives, Mamdani pledged to raise corporate taxes and introduce a “millionaire’s tax” on incomes exceeding $1 million annually. His platform resonated with voters frustrated by the city’s housing crisis and widening economic inequality.
Election Night Celebration and Next Steps
Supporters of Zohran Mamdani filled the Brooklyn Paramount Theater on election night, erupting in cheers as results confirmed his victory. Taking the stage shortly after 10 p.m., Mamdani declared, “We’re building a New York where no one has to choose between rent and groceries.”
He will officially assume office on January 1, 2026, at City Hall. The Board of Elections is expected to certify final results by late November after counting absentee and affidavit ballots.
Zohran Mamdani’s Legacy in the Making
As the son of two prominent Indian-origin intellectuals and artists, Zohran Mamdani’s journey from Kampala to City Hall stands as a powerful narrative of global identity, diversity, and civic leadership. His election signals a new chapter in New York City’s history—one driven by inclusion, youth energy, and progressive ideals.
With his policies rooted in social justice and equity, Zohran Mamdani aims to redefine what leadership in one of the world’s most influential cities can mean in the 21st century.