At just 34 years old, Mamdani is also the youngest mayor in the city’s history. According to official results, he secured 49.6% of the vote, defeating former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who garnered 41.6%.

Cuomo’s campaign suffered from the presence of Curtis Sliwa, who drew a notable share of votes in double digits — a factor analysts say helped Mamdani’s victory.

Running on a bold progressive platform, Mamdani campaigned on policies such as freezing rents, establishing city-run grocery stores, and making public buses free and those promises resonated strongly with working-class and progressive voters.

Mamdani also drew attention for his outspoken criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling them “genocidal,” and declaring that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should face arrest if he visits New York.

Read More: Ghazala Hashmi becomes first Muslim woman to win Virginia lieutenant governor's race

Cuomo, once seen as a frontrunner with strong Democratic backing, faced setbacks from sexual harassment allegations and controversy over nursing home deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, both of which dented his credibility.

This year’s state and local elections saw a record turnout, with over two million New Yorkers casting ballots that showed the highest participation since 1969.

In other results, Democrat Abigail Spanberger won the Virginia governor’s race, defeating Republican Winsome Earl-Sears.

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump warned that if Mamdani — a Democratic Socialist — won, he would cut federal funding to New York City.