Against All Odds
Mamdani's Victory Lap: Attacks Trump and Cuomo
Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani Overcomes Cuomo, Defies Trump, and Ushers in a New Era for New York City
In a stunning political upset, Far-left Democrat Zohran Mamdani has won New York City’s mayoral race, toppling former Governor Andrew Cuomo and sending shockwaves through political circles nationwide.
Mamdani, 34, a democratic socialist and former state assemblyman from Queens, delivered a fiery victory speech Tuesday night at the Brooklyn Paramount Theater, where he took direct aim at political opponents. including President Donald Trump.
“Turn the volume up,” Mamdani taunted Trump, who had attacked him as a “communist” and warned he would cut federal funding if Mamdani won. “To get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us.”
The historic win marks the first time in more than 50 years that over 2 million New Yorkers cast ballots in a mayoral election. With 2.02 million total votes tallied, Mamdani secured 50.4% of the vote, running on a platform centered around affordable housing, tenant protections, and criminal justice reform. Cuomo followed with 41.6%, running an independent, centrist campaign after losing the Democratic primary. Republican Curtis Sliwa finished a distant third.
“My friends, we have toppled a political dynasty," Mamdani declared to roaring applause. Cuomo, whose father, Mario Cuomo, famously served three terms as New York governor, has now lost twice in six months to the rising political newcomer.
Cuomo, speaking to disappointed supporters at the Ziegfeld Ballroom, called his campaign “the right fight to wage,” and warned that the city was heading down a “dangerous road” under Mamdani’s proposed socialist policies.
Transition and Policy Shifts
Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams released a video congratulating Mamdani and promising a smooth transition. “One of the most difficult, but greatest jobs on the globe is being mayor of New York City,” Adams said. He assured New Yorkers that the city would stay focused on public safety and affordability.
In the same election, voters approved a series of sweeping proposals set to expedite affordable housing development and streamline city planning. Proposals 2 through 5 passed easily, giving the incoming Mayor greater control over zoning without lengthy City Council processes. Proposal 6, to align future mayoral races with presidential cycles, was rejected.
Trump Reacts
Shortly after Mamdani’s victory speech, Trump weighed in with a cryptic post on Truth Social: “…AND SO IT BEGINS!” — hinting at potential political battles ahead.
Mamdani’s response was equally direct: “Hear me, President Trump: this is a city for all of us, not just the few.”