Uganda-born Zohran Mamdani secured a decisive victory on Tuesday, emerging as New York City's next mayor and marking a historic moment as the city's first Muslim leader. The democratic socialist, who spent part of his childhood in South Africa, has seen a meteoric rise from an obscure state lawmaker just a year ago to one of America's most closely watched political figures.
The 34-year-old entered the race last year with next to no name recognition, little money, and no institutional party support.
That alone makes his victory over former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa remarkable.
Addressing a jubilant crowd of supporters on Tuesday night, Mamdani wasted no time taking aim at U.S. President Donald Trump.
"So Donald Trump, since I know you're watching, I have four words for you: turn the volume up," he declared shortly after being confirmed as the winner.
He pledged that New York would stand firm against what he called a "moment of political darkness".
"New York will remain a city of immigrants, a city built by immigrants, powered by immigrants. And as of tonight, led by an immigrant," Mamdani said to loud applause.
"So hear me, President Trump, when I say this. To get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us."
Throughout his campaign, Mamdani made resisting the Republican president's policies, particularly on immigration, a central theme, positioning New York as a beacon of inclusivity and defiance.
In the days leading up to the vote, Trump, whose own legacy is deeply tied to New York, had threatened to cut federal funding and even "take over" the city if Mamdani won.
At 34, Mamdani will officially assume office on January 1, becoming the youngest mayor of New York in more than a century.
