New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, is projected to win New York City’s mayoral election, according to Decision Desk HQ, which made the call at 9:03 p.m. ET. The 34-year-old Mamdani is set to become the first millennial and first Muslim to lead the city after a campaign that defied expectations, defeating former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in a race marked by ideological divides.
Mamdani’s platform centered on affordability, including pledges to freeze rent, establish city-owned grocery stores, and provide free bus rides. His progressive stance made him both an icon and a polarizing figure within the Democratic Party, with prominent leaders split over whether to endorse him. A key controversy arose from his handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict, as pro-Israel activists criticized his lack of condemnation for the phrase “globalize the intifada,” though Mamdani has not used the term himself.
At the time of writing, Decision Desk HQ reported Mamdani leading with 50.7 percent of the vote, compared to Cuomo’s 41.3 percent and Sliwa’s 7.4 percent. Cuomo, who previously served as U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and New York state attorney general, resigned as governor in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations. His campaign focused on expanding police presence, affordable housing, and reducing school class sizes. Sliwa, a 71-year-old former radio host, emphasized public safety and proposed hiring 7,000 additional officers.
Mayor Eric Adams, who ran as an independent after skipping the Democratic primary, faced declining approval following federal corruption charges that were later dismissed. Adams had previously criticized Cuomo but endorsed him before withdrawing from the race. Sliwa subsequently faced pressure to exit the contest to boost Cuomo’s chances against Mamdani.
