Africa-Press – Uganda. Zohran Mamdani, 34, has won the New York City mayoral election, becoming the first Muslim and first African-born person to lead America’s largest city.
The self-described democratic socialist surged from obscurity to victory, defeating independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in what observers are calling a seismic political shift.
“In this moment of darkness, New York will be the light,” Mamdani declared to thunderous applause in his victory speech, vowing to tax millionaires to fund universal childcare, free buses, and housing initiatives.
“For as long as we can remember, the working people of New York have been told by the wealthy and the well-connected that power does not belong in their hands. Tonight, against all odds, we have grasped it.”
Mamdani, who started at just 1 percent in the polls, delivered what Senator Bernie Sanders called “one of the great political upsets in modern American history.”
Sanders, who endorsed him in June, wrote on X: “We CAN create a government that represents working people and not the 1%. I look forward to working with Zohran as he builds a city that works for all.”
In his 30-minute address, Mamdani thanked the more than 100,000 volunteers who powered his grassroots campaign, telling them, “Because of you, we will make this city one that working people can love and live in again.”
He also paid emotional tribute to his parents — Makerere University academic Mahmood Mamdani and film producer Mira Nair — and to his wife, Rama, saying, “You have made me into the man I am today. I am so proud to be your son. And Rama, there is no one I would rather have by my side in this moment and in every moment.”
Mamdani emphasized that his administration would stand for all New Yorkers, including “Jewish people experiencing antisemitism and immigrants,” adding, “We have held our breath for longer than we know… We are breathing in the air of a city that has been reborn.”
But his most pointed remarks were directed at President Donald Trump, who had earlier threatened to cut federal funding to New York if Mamdani were elected.
“Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: turn the volume up,” Mamdani said, prompting the loudest cheers of the night.
“To get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us.” Moments later, Trump posted on Truth Social, “…AND SO IT BEGINS!”
Mamdani also declared the end of a political era dominated by establishment figures, telling supporters: “My friends, we have toppled a political dynasty. I wish Andrew Cuomo only the best in private life. But let tonight be the final time that I utter his name.”
He celebrated the coalition that powered his win, highlighting “Yemeni bodega owners,” “Senegalese taxi drivers,” “Uzbek nurses,” and “Ethiopian aunties,” saying they had delivered “a mandate for change and a city we can afford.”
Born in Kampala, Mamdani left for South Africa at age five before moving to the United States, where he would later rise as a progressive state legislator in Queens.
His ascent from an underfunded campaign to City Hall underscores a growing appetite among younger and working-class voters for left-leaning policies within America’s biggest cities.
Meanwhile, Democrats are projected to win gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey, while California voters have approved redrawing congressional districts to favor the Democratic Party ahead of next year’s elections — a sign that Mamdani’s victory is part of a broader national shift.
As he concluded his address, Mamdani urged supporters to savor the moment: “New York City, breathe this moment in. The future is in our hands.”
For More News And Analysis About Uganda Follow Africa-Press
