Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani secured a landmark victory in New York City's mayoral race on Tuesday, winning 60.2% of the vote and becoming the city’s first Muslim, South Asian, and youngest mayor in over a century.

His triumph over former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa signals a shift in urban politics, fueled by a record-breaking turnout and a progressive wave.

The 34-year-old Queens assemblyman, born in Uganda and raised in New York, declared the win a “mandate for change” during a celebratory speech at Brooklyn Paramount. “We made the impossible possible,” Mamdani said, crediting a coalition of unions, youth, and diverse communities for powering his campaign. His platform—free buses, rent freezes, and universal childcare funded by taxing the wealthy—galvanized over 2 million voters.

The race drew national attention after President Donald Trump endorsed Cuomo in a last-minute post, calling Mamdani a “Communist with no experience” and threatening to slash federal aid if he won. The city’s $107 billion budget relies on $9 billion annually from Washington. Mamdani responded defiantly: “Donald Trump, since I know you're watching, I have four words for you: ‘Turn the volume up!’”

Cuomo, 67, who ran as an independent after losing the Democratic primary, conceded gracefully but faced boos during his remarks. He had campaigned against Mamdani’s “socialism,” warning it would lead to “disaster.” Sliwa, 71, founder of the Guardian Angels, finished third with 17.3%, focusing on public safety while distancing himself from Trump’s immigration stance.

Mamdani’s win was part of a broader Democratic sweep, with Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger elected governors in New Jersey and Virginia, and California’s Proposition 50 passing to redraw districts. Progressive leaders like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez celebrated Mamdani’s victory, with Ocasio-Cortez embracing supporters at a watch party.

In his speech, Mamdani emphasized inclusion, addressing Jewish New Yorkers with a pledge to combat antisemitism and affirming Muslim representation: “More than 1 million Muslims know they belong.” He also vowed to hold “bad landlords” accountable and dismantle the “culture of corruption” that enables tax evasion.

To be sworn in on January 1, Mamdani faces immediate challenges, including securing state approval for his $9 billion funding plan. Critics like billionaire Bill Ackman, who donated $750,000 to Cuomo, question its affordability. Nonetheless, Mamdani’s rise from assemblyman to mayor signals a generational and ideological shift, challenging entrenched political dynasties and Trump-era policies.