Zohran Mamdani to Lead New York City After Historical Win
(MENAFN) Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani secured victory in New York City's mayoral race Tuesday, making history as the first Muslim and South Asian to lead the city, media projected.
Mamdani, 34, triumphed over Independent candidate and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in a landmark win for the Democratic party's progressive faction.
Cuomo congratulated Mamdani on his electoral win, saying at an election night rally that "tonight was their night, and as they start to transition to government, we will all help any way we can."
"We will unite for New York City, because we love New York City, and from the bottom of my heart, I thank each and every one of you," he told supporters.
Mamdani is expected to deliver remarks in Brooklyn later Tuesday evening.
The self-described democratic socialist campaigned on affordability and expanded social services, vowing free buses, universal childcare, city-run grocery stores, rent-stabilized housing and a plan to raise the minimum wage to $30 per hour by 2030. It currently sits at $16.50.
His funding strategy relies on raising the corporate tax rate to 11.5%—matching neighboring New Jersey—plus a 2% income tax on those earning over $1 million per year, he says.
Mamdani has also pledged that he would order the New York Police Department (NYPD) to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he enter the city, citing the International Criminal Court's arrest warrant against him over war crimes in Gaza.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) described Mamdani's victory as a "historic turning point" for Muslim Americans.
"Mayor-Elect Mamdani's ability to win while openly advocating for Palestinian human rights and experiencing a barrage of anti-Muslim hate also marks a historic rebuke of both Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism in politics," CAIR said in a statement.
"We commend the college students and other young people in New York City who, just one year after being smeared and brutalized for protesting the genocide in Gaza, helped elect a mayor who vocally opposes that genocide and supports the right to peaceful protest," it added.
The election outcome signals a significant shift in New York City politics, with voters embracing a progressive platform amid ongoing debates over affordability, policing, and international human rights issues.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
