Zohran Mamdani makes history as New York City’s first Muslim and South Asian Mayor

Zuko Komisa

Zohran Mamdani has been elected New York City’s Mayor, becoming the city’s first Muslim and first South Asian leader.
The 34-year-old democratic socialist secured a historic victory on a progressive platform focused on making the city more affordable.
Mamdani’s win makes him the youngest person to hold the office in over a century, representing a major generational shift in city politics.

Democrat Zohran Mamdani has been elected as the 111th Mayor of New York City, securing a historic victory that sees him become the city’s first Muslim and first South Asian mayor.

The 34-year-old Democratic Socialist and State Assembly Member from Queens also becomes the city’s youngest mayor in over a century, winning the election against opponents including former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.

Mamdani, who campaigned on a progressive platform centred on affordability and social justice reforms—including rent freezes and fare-free public transport—secured more than 50% of the vote.

The landmark victory for the former foreclosure prevention counsellor is being viewed as a significant generational and ideological shift in the politics of America’s largest city.

Mamdani will take office on 1 January 2026.