By Anjali Sharma
NEW YORK – Zohran Mamdani first Indian American, a Muslim on Tuesday has won the race for New York City mayor, according to Decision Desk HQ, marked a historic and transformative moment for the city as it ushers in a new era of progressive politics and reignites debate over the Democratic Party’s future, media reported
Mamdani, a 34-year-old Assemblyman from Queens, a democratic socialist, is set to become the first millennial and first Muslim to lead New York City.
His victory, described as one of the most stunning political upsets in recent memory, came after defeated former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent after losing to Mamdani in the Democratic primary, and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the race to succeed Mayor Eric Adams.
According to media, Mamdani’s campaign focused on affordability and equity, pledged to “freeze rent,” establish “city-owned grocery stores,” and make “buses free for riders.”
The progressive lawmaker’s ambitious platform made him both an icon among the left and a divisive figure within the party, splitting prominent Democratic leaders over whether to endorse him.
Media noted that one of the most contentious points during the campaign centered on Mamdani’s views regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, he faced sharp criticism for not initially condemned the phrase “globalize the intifada.”
He has never personally used the term, pro-Israel activists argued that it “risks inciting violence against Zionists and Jews,” whereas pro-Palestinian activists see it as a call for “Palestinian liberation.”
Mamdani has pledged “not to use the term” and said he would “discourage others from using it,” though Cuomo seized on the controversy as a major line of attack during the race.
He has been a vocal critic of Israel, accused the Jewish State of committing “genocide in Gaza” and declared he would “have Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrested if he set foot in the city.”
Mamdani asserted that New York should uphold “arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court.”
He also faced scrutiny over his past comments called for the police to be “defunded.” However, he later issued a public apology to the New York Police Department during a Fox News interview.
Cuomo’s campaign, despite strong backing from several prominent Democrats, was weighed down by his own controversies.
He resigned as governor in 2021 after sexual harassment allegations, which he has denied.
Cuomo also faced a Justice Department investigation into testimony he gave Congress about a state health report on nursing home deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams dropped out and endorsed Cuomo, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa refused to exit the race, drawn a double-digit share of the vote that likely benefited Mamdani.
Cuomo received an unexpected endorsement from President Donald Trump, an endorsement did little to help him in deep-blue New York City .
Mamdani’s victory has energized progressives across the country but also raises questions about whether the new mayor will be able to deliver on his ambitious agenda and navigate political tensions between the Democratic Party’s left-leaning and moderate factions.
His victory may shape the national conversation over the future direction of the Democratic Party, currently split between its progressive flank and the establishment wing represented by figures such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York.
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