New York goes Left

Zohran Mamdani’s historic victory and what it means for global cities

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Zohran Mamdani

NEW York City has made history. With his decisive win over former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, Assembly member Zohran Mamdani has become the city’s first Muslim, first South-Asian-origin, and most openly progressive mayor in modern times. His victory, celebrated Tuesday night at the Brooklyn Paramount Theater, marks a symbolic turning point for America’s largest metropolis and for progressive urban governance worldwide.

Mamdani’s rise began with a surprise win in the Democratic primary in June 2025, when he defeated Cuomo, a veteran American politician , under New York’s ranked-choice voting system—a contest many likened to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s insurgent 2018 run. His coalition of younger renters, immigrant families, transit-reliant workers, and climate-conscious voters upended the city’s political establishment. By Election Day, polls had him ahead by mid-teens; the final tally confirmed a comfortable margin of victory. Major networks called the race shortly after 10 p.m., prompting jubilation as Mamdani told supporters, “The future is in our hands.” The moment marked a generational realignment in New York politics.

At the heart of Mamdani’s platform lies the conviction that affordability defines livability. His plan advocates fare-free city buses, rent freezes, accelerated public-housing repairs, publicly managed groceries in underserved neighborhoods, universal childcare, and higher taxes on top-income brackets and vacant luxury properties.