Zohran Mamdani has reshaped New York’s political landscape, igniting a youth-driven movement at the polls. However, his challenges against entrenched political power are just beginning.
Mamdani is now the Mayor-Elect of New York City, having achieved a commanding victory in a three-way race against Republican Curtis Sliwa and former governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent following his defeat in the Democratic primary.
The Results
— Nat Wilson Turner (@natwilsonturner)
November 5, 2025
The NY Times described the outcome as a remarkable transition for “the nation’s largest city embracing generational and ideological change.”
Previous Coverage of the 2025 NYC Mayoral Race
Interested readers may want to revisit my earlier analysis of this race, along with my commentary on the recent gubernatorial elections.
Record-Setting Turnout: A Youthquake for Mamdani
This election saw unprecedented voter engagement, a turnout reminiscent of historical highs, as reported by the NY Times:
As low turnout has become a norm across the U.S., New York City experienced a surge in participation, reaching levels not witnessed in half a century.
Over two million New Yorkers cast their votes—nearly double the 1.1 million who participated in the last mayoral election. In various neighborhoods across Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, turnout reached presidential election standards.
Unlike many American regions, New York had not permitted early voting for mayoral races until 2025, when it was officially introduced. Early voting data, while keeping individual choices private, offered a preliminary look at the demographics of those who participated, serving as a predictor of potential outcomes.
The early voting statistics were remarkable.
— Nat Wilson Turner (@natwilsonturner)
November 5, 2025
According to the NY Times, Mamdani forged a new coalition:
For years, Democrats in New York City have relied on a static coalition: white liberals in Manhattan and Brooklyn, Black and Latino voters, ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities, and various immigrant groups.
Preliminary results indicate that Mr. Mamdani has redefined that coalition, forming new alliances that may shift the political landscape of the city for years to come.
He achieved 40- and 50-point margins in Brooklyn’s affluent neighborhoods, dominated northern Manhattan, and maintained competitive margins in historically Black and Latino areas of Brooklyn and the Bronx.
While Mr. Cuomo performed well in Orthodox Jewish precincts, securing around 80% of the vote, Mamdani compensated for that by appealing to demographics often overlooked by Democrats: the young residents of gentrifying neighborhoods such as Bushwick and Williamsburg, and working-class South Asian immigrants in Queens and the Bronx.
Mamdani managed to address a critical flaw in progressive campaigns: the difficulty in connecting with working-class and minority voters:
During the primary, Mr. Mamdani faced challenges in some working-class Black and Latino districts. However, on election night, he turned the tide significantly.
With nearly 90% of votes counted, he led in the Bronx by 11 points, a considerable improvement from his earlier loss to Mr. Cuomo by 18 points.
In Kingsbridge, a working-class neighborhood in the Bronx, Mr. Cuomo had narrowly defeated Mr. Mamdani in the primary. Yet, on election night, Mamdani won the area by 14 points.
The turnout among young voters exceeded expectations, marking a distinct shift from their participation in Bernie Sanders’s presidential campaigns in 2016 and 2020. This change can be encapsulated by a single term: youthquake.
— Nat Wilson Turner (@natwilsonturner)
November 5, 2025
Another NYT article highlighted the surge in Gen Z voters (ages 18 to 28):
Many young people participated in the election. Over a two-week period of early voting, which concluded on Sunday, more than 735,000 residents cast their ballots. The median age of these voters was significantly lowered by nearly 100,000 voters under the age of 35 who voted between Friday and Sunday.
The Times also credited Mamdani’s campaign for creating an inviting atmosphere for organizing that appealed to lonely and disconnected young people.
Mr. Mamdani’s campaign aimed to make volunteering enjoyable, transforming it into an opportunity to meet new people and explore New York. His vision of the city is one filled with joy—where residents can focus on enjoying life rather than merely enduring it.
…
This strategy began a year ago, as he engaged with Gen Z New Yorkers across social media, attending events such as beaches and food festivals in a way that encouraged participation. He openly discussed the high cost of living in a city where exorbitant prices are increasingly unsustainable for entry-level salaries, and he voiced his pro-Palestinian stance, connecting with supporters over pressing humanitarian issues.He took it a step further, inviting young people to a scavenger hunt with a prize of sour cream-and-onion chips (a playful nod to a political controversy), soccer tournaments, DIY merchandise nights, document-shredding socials, and gatherings in bars for $5 beers where participants could unwind after canvassing.
This method serves as a promising lesson—that authentic, in-person organizing can be an immensely potent political tool.
The potential for replicating this strategy in areas beyond New York City could have significant ramifications for the future of American politics.
Mamdani’s Victory Speech
The NY Times has the full transcript, but there are key highlights to note.
He opened with a quote from Eugene Debs, a notable socialist figure, framing his victory as one for working-class individuals.
Then, he addressed his defeated opponent:
This evening, against all expectations, we have achieved what many deemed impossible. The future is now in our hands. My friends, we have dismantled a political dynasty.
I wish Andrew Cuomo well in his life away from politics. However, let tonight mark the last instance I mention his name, as we shift away from a political paradigm that neglects the many in favor of the few.
He expressed gratitude to “the next generation of New Yorkers” and various communities within the city, emphasizing the diversity of his support—ranging from Yemeni bodega owners to Ethiopian aunties.
Further, he reiterated vital campaign pledges:
We will hire thousands of additional teachers. We will eliminate waste in a convoluted bureaucracy. We will ensure that lights shine brightly in long-neglected NYCHA developments.
We will tackle public safety and justice by collaborating with police to reduce crime and forming a Department of Community Safety that addresses both mental health and homelessness directly.
He addressed the unfounded accusations of anti-Semitism he faced during the campaign, underscoring his commitment to serve all constituents:
We will cultivate a City Hall that stands firm with Jewish New Yorkers, combating anti-Semitism vigorously. We will ensure that the over one million Muslims in this city feel they belong—not merely in the five boroughs, but also in power.
There will be no more room for Islamophobia as a winning electoral strategy in New York.
Mamdani reaffirmed his identity as a bold, progressive leader:
I am young, despite my attempts to appear older. I am Muslim. I am a democratic socialist. And I will not apologize for any of this.
He concluded by rallying his supporters with core campaign promises:
Together, New York, we’re going to freeze the… [rent!] Together, New York, we’re going to make buses fast and… [free!] Together, New York, we’re going to deliver universal… [child care!]
Mamdani Defeats the Oligarchs
Mamdani also reflected on the exorbitant campaign funds directed against him and issued a direct challenge during his victory remarks:
Many have received our message through a lens of misinformation. Tens of millions have been spent to reframe reality and mislead our neighbors into fearing this new era. Once again, the billionaire class has attempted to convince workers making $30 an hour that their foes are those earning $20 an hour.
They want us to quarrel amongst ourselves so we remain distracted from the task of overhauling a broken system. We will no longer allow them to establish the rules of engagement. They will abide by the same rules we do.
This chart from Drop Site News illustrates the extensive efforts made by oligarchs to defeat Mamdani:
— Nat Wilson Turner (@natwilsonturner)
November 5, 2025
The Guardian provided insights about the oligarchs opposing Mamdani:
Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman contributed $1.75 million to a pro-Cuomo group; former New York mayor and billionaire Michael Bloomberg donated a staggering $8.3 million to the same PAC. The Lauder family, known for their cosmetics empire, funded pro-Cuomo and anti-Mamdani efforts with $2.6 million, while the Tisch family contributed $1.2 million to undermine the young socialist candidate. In previous elections, this concerted effort from the billionaire class would have appeared insurmountable for a progressive candidate. That is no longer the case.
National Political Implications: A Civil War Among Democrats
Although Cuomo ran as an independent, he represented the Democratic establishment, AIPAC, and aligned closely with Donald Trump, who publicly endorsed him shortly before the election.
Initially, I remarked that a Cuomo victory would indicate to the sluggish Democratic establishment that the insurgent, younger faction of the party was doomed to fail in the 2028 race, with Cuomo as an immediate front-runner in the presidential primary.
Mamdani’s groundbreaking success suggests that Cuomo’s political journey may be at an end, and while he did not specifically state that we wouldn’t have “Cuomo to kick around anymore” in his concession speech, it is hopeful that this chapter is closing.
This victory also symbolizes a rejection of the establishment narrative that has dominated the Democratic Party:
Consultants across the party have fallen under the influence of “popularism,” a philosophy promoted by pollsters and bloggers which claims that Democratic candidates must moderate their positions to align with mainstream public opinion. In practice, this approach often translates to a shift to the right, neglecting marginalized constituents and treating the electorate as adversaries instead of engaging them as rational adults.
…various centrist think tanks and consultancies, driven by wealthy donors, strive to dictate Democratic strategy and ensure compliance with elite interests. The resulting Democratic Party appears aimless and devoid of principles, disincentivized from fighting for what they believe.
Mamdani’s electrifying campaign entirely repudiated this approach.
Alex Shepherd in The New Republic summarized the Democratic establishment’s strategy:
Last year, the Democratic Party essentially told its voters “no.” Their leaders, Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, endorsed an approach rooted in inaction, suggesting that Democrats wait for Trump’s missteps to regain power. Concurrently, they strategized to downplay the progressive agenda by adopting more conservative stances on issues like gender and immigration.
Mamdani distinguished himself by forming a campaign centered on genuine concerns about rising costs, providing clear, actionable promises to address them. He engaged with voters not through conventional media, but by meeting them where they are: on social media, podcasts, and at events such as Knicks games and rap concerts. His message resonated because it offered hope for a brighter future rather than reiterating stale compromises.
His steadfast support for Palestinian self-determination became a defining feature that differentiated him from an establishment many voters no longer trust. He remained true to his principles while recognizing the shift in Democratic voters’ attitudes towards Israel—a contrast that underscored his break from traditional party leadership.
The limitations of the Democratic establishment were further highlighted by their indecision regarding an endorsement for Mamdani. While Governor Kathy Hochul endorsed Mamdani in September, U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries hesitated until mid-October before offering a tepid endorsement, and U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer never offered his endorsement or disclosed his voting choice.
National Political Implications: Mamdani vs. Trump
Mamdani directly addressed President Trump in his victory speech:
If we embrace this bold new direction, instead of retreating, we can confront both oligarchy and authoritarianism with the strength they fear, not the appeasement they desire.
After all, if anyone can demonstrate to a nation disillusioned by Donald Trump how to overcome him, it is this city. The most effective means to undermine a tyrant is by dismantling the conditions that facilitated their rise.
This is not just how we will stop Trump; it’s how we will prevent the emergence of future despots. So, to you, Donald Trump, I have just four words: Turn the volume up.
We will hold unscrupulous landlords accountable, as the likes of Trump have prospered by exploiting their tenants. We will eradicate the corruption that has allowed billionaires to evade fair taxation. We will unite with labor and champion workers’ rights, for when working people possess guaranteed rights, the forces of oppression diminish.
New York stands as a beacon for immigrants: a city that thrives due to its diverse communities, and now, as of tonight, led by an immigrant.
So, listen closely, President Trump: To reach any of us, you will first need to confront all of us. In 58 days, as we step into City Hall, I assure you, expectations will be fulfilled.
In contrast, Trump chose to deflect attention away from Mamdani following the GOP’s national losses:
Mamdani Attracts “New” Trump Voters
Trump’s hesitance to confront Mamdani may stem from the fact that the Mayor-elect appealed directly to demographics that previously supported Trump—namely young men and ethnic minorities:
.@NBCNews exit polling on young men (18-29) in VA, NJ, and NYC
VA: Spanberger +14
NJ: Sherrill: +10
NYC: Mamdani +40— Allan Smith (@akarl_smith)
November 5, 2025
Mamdani also garnered strong support among young women:
The narrative of tonight belongs to young women.
81% for Mamdani in NYC
80% for Sherrill in NJ
78% for Spanberger in VA
per NBC’s exit polls.— Rachel Janfaza (@racheljanfaza)
November 5, 2025
Mark Wauck analyzed Mamdani’s success with these demographics and provided insight into their shift away from Trump:
GOPers faced losses due to “new Trump” voters. Significant segments of the traditional Democratic base turned out for Mamdani. Conversely, Hispanics, Muslims, and other ethnic minorities who had shifted to Trump over economic concerns appear to be returning to the Democratic fold. The economy and Trump’s antagonistic approach are key factors. Additionally, his stances have alienated many among ethnic groups, leading to a critical reconsideration.
Now, Mamdani Must Deliver
For those comparing this to the “Hope and Change” era of 2008, there are reasons to be cautious. Disturbingly, Barack Obama has expressed intentions to advise Mamdani as a “sounding board” following phone calls made during the campaign.
New York progressive stalwart Zephyr Teachout cautioned Mamdani about the potential pitfalls of Obama’s political influence:
Recall how David Plouffe and Rahm Emanuel sought to dismantle the grassroots momentum that Obama cultivated in 2007, limiting them in essential organizing efforts. Their focus on centralized power transformed OFA into merely a data-driven operation, abandoning its grassroots foundation.
We now confront a glaring need to harness grassroots momentum within political campaigns. This upcoming opportunity may shatter misconceptions about the efficacy of electoral campaigns as foundations for grassroots mobilization.
Mamdani faces significant challenges as the mayor, and I will revisit these obstacles next week.
