Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democratic Socialist and outspoken anti-Israel activist, won the New York City mayoral race on Tuesday, becoming the city’s youngest mayor in more than 100 years and its first Muslim mayor.
Mamdani defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, securing a roughly 9-point lead with 90% of votes counted in an election that saw the highest turnout in five decades.
His victory marks a dramatic political shift in a city long dominated by centrist Democrats. It has also stirred deep concern among mainstream Jewish organizations due to Mamdani’s sharp criticism of Israel and his past rhetoric. Groups including the UJA-Federation, ADL, and Republican Jewish Coalition issued statements pledging to hold him “accountable” on antisemitism and safety for Jewish New Yorkers.
In his acceptance speech, Mamdani vowed to “not waver” in combating antisemitism and pledged an inclusive administration. “New York, tonight you have delivered a mandate for change,” he said, promising to prioritize working-class families, free childcare, and new approaches to policing.
His rise, fueled by young progressives, represents a major shift for Democrats nationwide—toward bold left-wing candidates rather than centrist pragmatists. But his inexperience and sweeping proposals have created uncertainty about how he will govern America’s largest city.
