NEW YORK: Signaling a major shift in the city’s political landscape, Zaharan Mamdani, a Democratic candidate of South Asian descent, has been elected as the new Mayor of New York City — the first Muslim to ever hold this office..
Mamdani defeated independent candidate and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, despite the latter receiving backing from US President Donald Trump. According to official results, Mamdani secured 49.6% of the vote, while Cuomo garnered 41.6%.
Voter turnout remained strong across the city, with more than 1.7 million New Yorkers casting their ballots in the highly anticipated mayoral race.
Known for his outspoken support of Palestinian rights, Mamdani has often criticized Israel’s policies and international silence on human rights violations. During his campaign, he stated that if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — wanted by the International Court of Justice — visited New York, “he would be arrested.”
Mamdani’s victory marks a new chapter in New York politics, symbolizing the city’s growing diversity and the rise of progressive voices within the Democratic Party.
On the other hand, the Democratic Party has achieved significant success in the latest U.S. state elections, securing key victories in Virginia and New Jersey, according to American media reports.
In Virginia, Democrats celebrated a historic win as Abigail Spanberger was elected the state’s first female governor, following the conclusion of polling on Tuesday. Exit polls confirmed Spanberger’s victory, marking a major milestone for the party.
Democratic candidate Ghazala Hashmi also made history in Virginia, becoming the state’s first Muslim and Indian-American lieutenant governor. Hashmi, who previously served two terms as a state senator, was already recognized as the first Muslim and South Asian woman elected to the Virginia Senate.
In New Jersey, Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill won the gubernatorial race, defeating Republican challenger and former state legislator Jack Ciattarelli.
Meanwhile, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Pakistani-born Mussab Ali is contesting the mayoral election. Born in Lahore, Ali moved to Jersey City with his parents in 2000. Following the 9/11 attacks, his family faced severe discrimination — his father lost his job, and his mother, a teacher, was targeted for wearing a hijab.
American media also reported that in Atlanta, Andre Dickens has been re-elected as mayor for a second term.
The results from Virginia and New Jersey are being viewed as a strong endorsement of Democratic leadership ahead of next year’s national elections, with several of the party’s rising stars breaking new ground in state politics.
