Zohran Mamdani took direct aim at former President Donald Trump during his victory speech after winning the New York City mayoral race.
The 34-year-old’s win is being hailed as historic: he is now the first Muslim, the first South Asian, and the youngest mayor elected in New York in the last hundred years.
According to the BBC, Mamdani earned 50.4% of the vote, defeating Andrew Cuomo, who secured 41.6%, and Curtis Sliwa, who received 7%.
A Democratic socialist, Mamdani has campaigned on policies such as universal childcare, free and faster public bu:ses, and higher taxes on the city’s wealthiest residents (CNN reports).
Before the election, Trump publicly urged New Yorkers to vote for Cuomo instead, even war:ning that he might withhold federal funding if Mamdani won. In an appearance on 60 Minutes, Trump said: “You have no choice. Vote for Cuomo. Hope he does a fantastic job. Mamdani cannot.”
But on election night, Mamdani said New Yorkers sent a clear message.
“Hope is alive,” he announced. He emphasized his identity proudly: “I am young. I am Muslim. I am a democratic socialist. And I won’t apologize for any of it.”
Turning to Trump, he said:
“If any place can show a nation betra:yed by Donald Trump how to defe:at him, it is the city that created him. So, Donald Trump since I know you’re watching — turn the volume up.”
Mamdani went on to promise stronger protections for tenants, tougher accountability for landlords, higher taxes for billionaires, and expanded labor rights.
“New York will always be a city of immigrants,” he said.
“Built by immigrants, powered by immigrants — and now, led by one.”
“So hear me, President Trump: to get to one of us, you will have to go through all of us.”
Shortly after the results, Trump responded on Truth Social: “…AND SO IT BEGINS!”
Mamdani will officially take office on January 1.
