Zohran Mamdani Makes History as New York’s First Muslim Mayor, Calls Himself “Trump’s Worst Nightmare”

New York’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, who famously called himself “Trump’s worst nightmare,” celebrated his historic win, saying he had shown Democrats the path to defeating the U.S. president.

According to NBC News projections, Mamdani secured 60.2% of the vote, prompting his main rival, former state governor Andrew Cuomo, to concede soon after.

Mamdani, who will become New York City’s first Muslim, first South Asian, and youngest mayor in a century, addressed an ecstatic crowd in Brooklyn, taking jabs at Cuomo and challenging Donald Trump.

“I wish Andrew Cuomo the best in private life,” he said, adding, “but let tonight mark the end of politics that serve only the few while abandoning the many.”

Turning his focus to Trump — who had supported Cuomo and threatened to cut federal funds if Mamdani won — the mayor-elect declared, “If any city can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it’s the one that created him. This is how we stop Trump — and the next one. So Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up.”

Trump quickly responded on Truth Social, writing: “…AND SO IT BEGINS!”

‘Making the impossible possible’

The New York Board of Elections reported that over two million people voted this year — nearly double the turnout in 2021.

Running on a progressive platform, Mamdani proposed bold and controversial ideas, such as state-run grocery stores, free and fast public buses, and rent freezes, funded by higher taxes on the wealthy.

Related News: Affordability Wins: Why Corbyn Backs Mamdani's Rent Revolution

“We won because New Yorkers dared to believe that the impossible could become possible,” he told supporters. Mamdani will officially take office on New Year’s Day.

A stunning political journey

The race began after Mayor Eric Adams, entangled in a corruption scandal, decided to run as an independent. Cuomo, hoping to revive his career after resigning as governor in 2021 over harassment allegations, initially led the Democratic field.

However, Mamdani — a relative political outsider — upset expectations by winning the Democratic nomination, pushing Cuomo to continue as an independent candidate.

On the eve of the election, Trump warned that Mamdani’s left-wing agenda would bring “disaster” to New York, urging Republicans to back Cuomo instead.

Progressive allies and global attention

Despite hesitation from mainstream Democrats, Mamdani gained endorsements from Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Internationally, he was supported by Jeremy Corbyn and Zack Polanski, both of whom praised his grassroots energy and progressive policies.

Cuomo’s concession

In his concession speech, Cuomo thanked his supporters, calling them “New York patriots.” He said, “This was the right fight to fight, and I’m proud of what we achieved together.”

Cuomo emphasized his message of unity and condemned antisemitism, having frequently criticized Mamdani’s stance on Israel during the campaign. As some of his supporters booed the new mayor’s name, Cuomo reminded them: “This is not us… Tonight belongs to them.”

Broader Democratic momentum

The New York race was one of four key elections seen as indicators of public sentiment during Trump’s second presidential term. Democrats also claimed victories in Virginia and New Jersey, where Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill won their gubernatorial contests.

Reacting to the results, Trump posted again on Truth Social, blaming Republican losses on the government shutdown and his absence from the ballot.