Zohran Mamdani has been projected by CBS News to become the 111th mayor of New York City, concluding a closely monitored campaign that captivated voters with his commitment to making the city more affordable. The 34-year-old democratic socialist achieved victory over Republican contender Curtis Sliwa and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who, after losing a Democratic primary, ran as an independent. This mayoral race attracted significant attention, including an endorsement from former President Trump for Cuomo the night before the election, where he ominously threatened to cut federal funding to New York City should Mamdani take office.
Mamdani's campaign resonated particularly with younger, progressive voters as he centered his message on the high cost of living in New York City. Despite facing critiques regarding his inexperience and questions surrounding his views on Israel, Mamdani's proposals included a freeze on rents for rent-stabilized apartments and increased taxes on the wealthy. These measures aim to fund a range of new city services, such as free public transportation and city-run grocery stores. Upon taking office, Mamdani will not only be the city’s first Muslim mayor but also one of its youngest mayors, although he will fall short of the record held by Hugh J. Grant, who was just 31 when he began his term in 1889.
Birthed in Uganda, Mamdani immigrated to New York City at the tender age of 7. He attended the prestigious Bronx High School of Science before continuing his education at Bowdoin College. In 2018, he proudly became a citizen of the United States. His family includes his father, political science professor Mahmood Mamdani, and his mother, filmmaker Mira Nair. Mamdani is married to artist Rama Duawaji, and they reside in Queens, where he has served as a state assemblyman since 2021, representing areas such as Astoria and Ditmars-Steinway.
Throughout his campaign, Mamdani prioritized reducing the cost of living, pledging to freeze rents on rent-stabilized units. He also proposed the implementation of free bus services and establishing city-owned grocery stores in each borough. Additionally, Mamdani aims to construct 200,000 affordable housing units. To finance these ambitious plans, he has indicated a willingness to raise taxes on corporations and wealthy individuals by 2%. However, enacting these changes will require collaboration with Governor Kathy Hochul and the state legislature.
Mamdani garnered substantial support from prominent progressives, including Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as endorsements from influential Democrats like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Governor Hochul.
During the campaign, Mamdani's position on Israel drew considerable scrutiny. He condemned the Hamas-led terrorist attacks on Israel that occurred on October 7, while also criticizing the Israeli government's military response, labeling the situation in Gaza as genocidal. His comments prompted a strong rebuke from Israeli officials. Mamdani stated that while he supports Israel’s right to exist, he does not recognize any state that enforces a hierarchy based on race or religion. He clarified, "I would not recognize any state's right to exist with a system of hierarchy on the basis of race or religion," during a debate.
Addressing allegations of more extreme positions, Mamdani asserted, "I have never, not once, spoken in support of global jihad," attributing some of the criticism to his status as the first Muslim candidate on the verge of winning the election.
Mamdani faced backlash for past statements regarding the NYPD, where he had previously called for the disbandment of the Strategic Response Group. This unit was notably involved in responding to a shooting incident in Midtown earlier in the year. He later retracted this position, clarifying that he was opposed to utilizing the unit in response to protests. "I am not defunding the police," Mamdani emphasized this summer, attempting to distance himself from earlier remarks made in 2020 when he labeled the police department as racist amid national protests following George Floyd's death.
In a recent interview, Mamdani expressed regret for his comments about the NYPD, stating, "Absolutely I'll apologize to police officers right here," acknowledging their commitment to public safety. He emphasized his desire to work collaboratively with the officers who serve in the NYPD, underscoring the risks they face daily.
As Mamdani prepares to take office, he has indicated a willingness to retain Jessica Tisch as police commissioner, signaling a potential collaborative approach to law enforcement in the city.
