Zohran Mamdani becomes New York City’s first Muslim mayor

Published: 05 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old pro-Palestinian socialist, has made history by being elected as New York City’s first Muslim mayor. His victory over former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa marks a turning point in the city’s political landscape — and the rise of a new, unapologetically progressive voice in American politics.

Once considered a fringe candidate, Mamdani’s campaign exploded in popularity thanks to his strong social media presence and his focus on issues close to New Yorkers’ hearts: the cost of living, housing, and affordability. His platform, centred on promises like free bus travel, free childcare, and city-run supermarkets, resonated deeply with voters struggling to make ends meet in one of the most expensive cities in the world.

Mamdani also pledged to freeze rent in rent-controlled homes and raise taxes on the wealthy to fund his policies. His message — that New York should be a city for working people, not just the rich — caught fire among younger voters and low-income communities.

When he takes office on January 1, Mamdani will inherit one of the toughest political jobs in America: managing an $115 billion budget and leading a city of 8.5 million people. Critics, including his opponents, have questioned his lack of experience. But his supporters see his outsider status as an asset — a sign that real change may finally be coming to City Hall.

His election has already sparked controversy at the national level. Former president Donald Trump called him a “communist” and warned that he would consider cutting federal funding to New York under Mamdani’s leadership. “It’s going to be hard for me to give a lot of money to New York if you have a communist running it,” Trump said over the weekend.

Throughout the campaign, Mamdani faced heavy criticism for his views on Israel and Palestine. Both Cuomo and Sliwa accused him of fueling anti-Semitic sentiment after he refused to condemn the slogan “globalize the intifada.” Mamdani later said he would “discourage” its use, clarifying that while he recognizes Israel’s right to exist, he does not support it as a religious state. He even went so far as to say he would arrest Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he entered New York — a statement that drew widespread condemnation.

More than 1,100 rabbis across the U.S. signed an open letter accusing Mamdani of encouraging hostility toward Jewish people. Despite that, he remained firm in his stance, saying his fight is “against injustice, not against any faith.”

At the same time, Islamophobic attackers targeted Mamdani’s campaign. Republican congresswoman Elise Stefanik branded him a “jihadist candidate,” while several conservative media outlets pushed false claims about his background. Mamdani refused to engage in personal attacks, instead focusing on issues like affordable housing and public transport.

His message of unity and inclusion resonated with many. He received congratulatory calls from Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris, though not all Democratic leaders were quick to endorse him. Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand notably withheld support, while House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries only endorsed Mamdani weeks before election day.

Trump’s involvement in the race added another layer of drama. His campaign reportedly pressured current mayor Eric Adams to withdraw to give Cuomo a better chance of winning. Calls were also made for Sliwa to step aside, but the Republican candidate refused, saying: “Billionaires don’t decide who becomes mayor — the people do.”

Even as Cuomo closed the polling gap in the final days, Mamdani’s energy and authenticity helped him maintain the lead. His rallies drew massive, diverse crowds — from working-class families in the Bronx to young professionals in Brooklyn — all inspired by his promise of a fairer, more equal city.

Now, everyone is watching to see what he’ll do next. Mamdani has said he plans to appoint “the best and the brightest” to his cabinet, and he’s already indicated he will retain Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch despite his earlier criticisms of the NYPD. “We’re going to work together to make this city safer, fairer, and more compassionate,” he said in his victory speech at a packed rally in Queens.

He ended the night with a simple message to his supporters: “This win isn’t just mine. It’s yours — every New Yorker who believes this city can be better, fairer, and kinder. We’re just getting started.”