When the election results flashed across television screens at a New York City party, confirming Zohran Mamdani as the new mayor, the room erupted in celebration. Caitlin McNaughton leapt to her feet, her hand over her mouth, as the crowd chanted, “Mam-da-ni! Mam-da-ni!”
“Things have just been so bleak,” McNaughton, a New Yorker, exclaimed as she joined the jubilant gathering in a Queens beer garden, a neighborhood close to Mamdani’s heart. The 34-year-old self-described Democratic socialist made international headlines when he won the mayoral election by a significant margin, capturing the imagination of many with his progressive platform.
A Progressive Platform and a Historic Win
Mamdani’s campaign, which included proposals like taxing the wealthy and establishing city-run grocery stores, was initially mocked by figures such as former President Donald Trump. However, Mamdani had the last laugh on election night, largely thanks to the support of women like McNaughton, who were instrumental in his triumph.
“I’m extremely proud to be a New Yorker, but lately I’ve been embarrassed to be an American,” McNaughton said, criticizing the Trump administration’s cuts to critical programs and its stringent immigration policies. “This is a glimmer of hope.”
Mamdani, the Democratic Party’s candidate, energized previously disengaged voters across the city. His victory comes at a time when the Democrats, still reeling from Trump’s presidential win, have struggled with political paralysis. Some hope Mamdani’s success in one of the nation’s most progressive strongholds could rejuvenate the party.
The Role of Women and Young Voters
Analysts note that while Mamdani’s policies may not gain widespread traction nationally, certain aspects of his victory could resonate. His focus on the high cost of living in New York City is a relatable theme for many Americans. Moreover, his ability to galvanize young voters, particularly women, was a key factor in his success.
According to an exit poll conducted by CNN with over 4,000 participants, Mamdani won about two-thirds of voters under 45, including 84% of women aged 18 to 29 and 65% of women aged 30 to 45.
Women, who constitute a larger share of the American electorate and historically vote in higher numbers, played a crucial role in Mamdani’s victory.
A Personal Victory for Many
Mamdani, born in Uganda and a child immigrant to the U.S., will become New York City’s first Muslim mayor. He secured 50.4% of the vote, outpacing independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, who garnered just over 41%. Cuomo, a former state governor who resigned amid sexual harassment allegations, ran as an independent after losing the Democratic primary to Mamdani. Republican Curtis Sliwa finished a distant third.
For Shanaz Chowdhury, a 38-year-old mother and first-generation Bangladeshi immigrant, Mamdani’s win is deeply personal. “As someone who has experienced Islamophobia since 9/11, this is monumental,” she said. “I’m proud my son won’t have to go through what I have.”
Chowdhury recounted her family’s experiences with prejudice, from her parents facing harassment in traditional dress to her sister being discriminated against at work for wearing a hijab.
While the CNN exit poll did not specify how New York’s South Asian community voted, it indicated Mamdani’s popularity among other major cultural groups. Among Black women, 54% supported Mamdani, while 51% of Latina women did the same.
“The conventional wisdom would tell you that I am far from the perfect candidate,” Mamdani said in his victory speech. “I am young, despite my best efforts to grow older. I am Muslim. I am a Democratic socialist. And most damning of all, I refuse to apologize for any of this.”
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Despite his broad support, Mamdani’s appeal did not extend to all demographics. New York City, home to the largest Jewish community outside Israel, saw 64% of Jewish voters backing Cuomo, reflecting Mamdani’s contentious stance on Israel.
Kristina Teschner, a 44-year-old Brooklyn resident, believes Mamdani is what the city needs. Having lived paycheck-to-paycheck and faced eviction, she volunteered for his campaign, driven by her struggles with the city’s high cost of living.
“Just knowing this campaign existed makes me feel more taken care of,” Teschner said. “The heartbeat of New York isn’t in corporate boardrooms. It’s the taxi drivers, the bodega owners, the nurses, the teachers — people like me.”
Mamdani will be sworn in as mayor on January 1, offering a fresh start for a city eager for change and a Democratic Party in need of revitalization.
