Zohran Mamdani Wins NYC Mayoral Race, Defeating Cuomo and Sliwa: AP Projects

Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old state legislator from Queens, has been elected as the 111th mayor of New York City. His victory marks several historic firsts — he will be the city’s first Muslim mayor, its first South Asian leader, and the youngest person to hold the office in over a century.

Mamdani won the New York City mayoral election, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo (independent) and Republican Curtis Sliwa, according to projections by the Associated Press (AP) and other major outlets. The 34-year-old state assemblyman will become the city's first Muslim mayor, succeeding Eric Adams in a race marked by high turnout and stark ideological divides.

Mamdani's victory caps a meteoric rise, propelled by a progressive platform focused on affordable housing, public safety reform, and economic equity. With polls closing at 9:00pm ET, early results showed Mamdani surging in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx (leading by 20–25 points), while Cuomo held a slim edge in Staten Island. Final tallies, including early votes from over 732,000 ballots (65% of 2021's total), confirmed Mamdani's lead at 43% (Quinnipiac poll), Cuomo at 33%, and Sliwa at 14%, with 6% undecided.

Mamdani, who trounced Adams in the June Democratic primary, celebrated at his Queens HQ: "It's time to reckon with the urgency New Yorkers face—rent hikes, delayed buses, families fleeing the city. We'll build an affordable, equitable New York for all." His campaign, endorsed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, emphasized anti-corruption and progressive policies, though he faced backlash over policing stances.

Cuomo, 67, sought a comeback after his 2021 resignation amid sexual harassment allegations and COVID mishandling. Backed by landlords and corporate donors, he pivoted to independent after losing the primary, criticizing Mamdani as inexperienced. At his Manhattan party, supporters fell silent as results came in; Cuomo conceded, saying, "I've fought for this city my whole life—now it's time for the next chapter."

Sliwa, 71, Guardian Angels founder, positioned himself as a "law and order" candidate, rejecting a reported $10M buyout offer from Cuomo allies. He polled at 14%, drawing conservative support but admitting to past publicity stunts. Sliwa vowed to "hold the next mayor accountable" and protect the city.

Turnout hit historic highs (over 1.15 million early votes), surpassing 2021 amid economic concerns (26% cited housing, 19% crime per NBC exit polls). Mamdani dominated among youth (45% favorable, 41% unfavorable), while Cuomo polled better with 50+ voters (34% favorable, 54% unfavorable).

Trump endorsed Cuomo, threatening to withhold federal funds if Mamdani wins, amid unsubstantiated antisemitism claims against the victor, who pledged to protect Jewish New Yorkers.

Mamdani's win signals a leftward shift in NYC, the first Muslim mayor since its founding in 1898. He takes office January 1, 2026, facing a $100B budget and post-COVID recovery.