Zohran Mamdani has made history as New York City’s new mayor — the first Muslim, the first South Asian, and the first African-born leader to run the city. At just 34, the democratic socialist defeated Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa with more than 50% of the vote, becoming the youngest NYC mayor in over a century. His victory represents a major shift in one of America’s most influential cities.

Born in Uganda and raised in Queens, Mamdani built his political career on activism and housing justice. Before entering politics, he worked as a housing counselor helping low-income families fight eviction. He has never shied away from embracing his Muslim identity, openly speaking about the importance of representation and the courage it takes to stand visibly in today’s America.

Mamdani’s agenda centers on working-class and immigrant communities. His platform includes freezing rent increases, raising the minimum wage to $30 an hour by 2030, expanding universal childcare, making buses free, and funding mental health and homelessness efforts outside policing. He also promises stronger protections for immigrants, LGBTQ+ residents, and public-school students, aiming to keep New York diverse and affordable.

His bold policies and immigrant-focused message have put him at odds with Donald Trump, who has publicly denounced him as a “communist” and even threatened to withhold federal funds if Mamdani won. In response, Mamdani vowed that New York will remain a city built and led by immigrants — and declared that if any place can stand up to Trump, it’s the city that created him. The political battle ahead is already underway.