Zohran Mamdani: New York City Mayoral Candidate

Zohran Mamdani, 33, is the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, making him the first Muslim to reach this point. With 95% of the votes counted, he leads former governor Andrew Cuomo with 43% against 36%.

President Donald Trump reacted strongly to Mamdani's election. Mamdani, born in Uganda and raised in New York City, is the son of Professor Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair. He worked as a housing counselor in Queens before entering politics.

His platform includes free bus transport, rent freezes, municipal grocery stores, universal childcare, and increased production of controlled housing. Critics, such as Cuomo, consider him inexperienced. The New York Times did not endorse him.

Mamdani is a supporter of Palestine and has criticized Israel, while also condemning antisemitism. According to the BBC, his victory marks a shift to the left in New York City politics.