Indian-Origin Muslim Zohran Mamdani’s New York Win Makes History

Zohran Mamdani is now the youngest mayor of New York City, having defeated Andrew Cuomo. His grassroots campaigns and progressivism had struck a chord with the users. 

One of the prime reasons behind his historic win is his achievement that most thought was impossible. 

Born to Indian parents, the 34-year-old democratic socialist was brought up in Queens, New York. 

He is New York's youngest mayor in over a century. Also, he is the first Muslim, South Asian, and naturalised immigrant to hold this position. 

On Tuesday night, his victory came as a game-changer in New York's political scenario and a triumph for the Democratic Party's progressive wing.

Mamdani’s Path to Victory and the Surge in Voter Turnout

According to Associated Press, Zohran Mamdani sealed his victory when he defeated former governor, Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in a hard-fought contest and drew the highest voter number for the mayoral race in over five decades. 

After the Associated Press announced his victory, Mamdani supporters cheered, waved the NYC flag, and danced to Bad Bunny at his victory party in Brooklyn. 

A campaign posted on X wrote '' The next and last stop is City Hall, echoed the spirit of his political rise.

What Made Voters Choose Mamdani

One of the significant reasons that sealed Mamdani's victory in the mayoral elections was his appeal to voters to tackle New York's soaring living costs, free bus travel, childcare, and other issues. 

He also promised to provide support through social media and a massive canvassing ground game.

Reaction of Netizens on X

Apart from dancing to the tune of Bad Bunny, came a reaction from netizens, who acknowledged Mamdani's speech with a popular Hindi song,' Dhoom Machale'. 

Defeating Former Governor Cuomo

Andrew Cuomo, defeated by Zohran Mamdani, hoped for a political return post his resignation from the post of governor amid sexual harassment allegations, but failed. 

The victory of Mamdani represented a generational shift, recording the highest number of votes from young voters.

From the primary fiery debates to final election day, the sharp wit of Mamdani left Cuomo off balance. 

In his viral debate moment, he said, “I’ve never resigned in disgrace or cut Medicaid. The name is Mamdani — learn to say it right.”

Cuomo, who underestimated Mamdani, called him 'inexperienced' who needs to be serious and mature to run the government. 

However, it did not affect the new NYC governor as his clips had already gone viral, and following on social media also increased.

“Watch how Mamdani took on Cuomo with sharp arguments during the debate.”

Jabbing at Donald Trump

Other than giving a fitting response to Cuomo in debates, Mamdani also took a dig at Donald Trump during his victory speech. 

He said,  "In this moment of political darkness, New York will be the light." 

Bouncing back with another dig at the U.S. President, the new NYC mayor also said that he will remove corruption that has encouraged billionaires like Trump to evade taxation. 

Mamdani responded to Trump's repeated threats with only four words: 'Turn the Volume Up.'

Obama Cheers Mamdani’s Landmark Victory

Barack Obama, the former U.S. President, congratulated Zohran Mamdani for his remarkable victory in the New York City mayoral elections. He called it a win for hope, integrity, and grassroots leadership.

Thanked Mother Mira Nair, Invoked Nehru's Words

During his first speech after winning, the newly elected New York City mayor did not forget to thank his mother, Mira Nair, an acclaimed Indian-American filmmaker behind films like Salaam Bombay, Queen of Katwe, and Mississippi Masala. He also quoted Jawaharlal Nehru's historical 1947 'Tryst with Destiny Speech'.

When will Zohran Mamdani Take The Oath?

The New York City’s first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will formally take the oath on 1st January 2026. At 36, he will be the youngest lawmaker from Queens to assume office.