Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist from Queens, was declared New York City’s mayor-elect to cheers, champagne and street parties across the boroughs. Support surged from immigrant communities, young voters and grassroots organizers, fueled by viral campaign moments and a relentless ground game. Mamdani pledged affordability measures including a rent freeze and institutionalized universal child care, framing the victory as a local, grassroots rebuke to the political establishment.
Mamdani's Moment: New Yorkers Celebrate as Zohran Mamdani Wins Mayoral Race
Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist from Queens, was declared New York City’s mayor-elect to cheers, champagne and street parties across the boroughs. Support surged from immigrant communities, young voters and grassroots organizers, fueled by viral campaign moments and a relentless ground game. Mamdani pledged affordability measures including a rent freeze and institutionalized universal child care, framing the victory as a local, grassroots rebuke to the political establishment.
12:30, 05.11.2025Politics
Citywide celebration as grassroots candidate claims victory
Less than a year after Donald Trump won the US presidency, Zohran Mamdani — once a little-known figure outside New York's left-wing circles — has been declared New York City’s mayor-elect. The democratic socialist from Queens, who ran a relentless grassroots campaign, was greeted by cheering crowds, champagne and street parties across the boroughs.
At a Brooklyn bar watch party, supporters wearing Mamdani merchandise posed for photos as one group chanted "Mamdaniiiiii," playfully replacing the customary "cheese." Classic songs like Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York" and edgier tracks from Lou Reed played as early returns put Mamdani in a commanding lead. "It’s like, too scary to be hopeful," Michelle Dimuzio told AFP with a nervous laugh before polls closed; when results moved decisively in his favor the room erupted in applause, and even a toddler cried out "bravo!"
Cheers and spontaneous street celebrations followed the race call for New York’s first Muslim mayor. In Manhattan, the owner of an upscale brasserie marked the occasion by offering complimentary champagne to patrons. "It was a win by New Yorkers, for New Yorkers," Ben Parisi told AFP, describing the outcome as a local, grassroots rebuke to the political establishment in Washington.
"We will fight for you, because we are you," Mamdani told supporters, crediting Yemeni bodega owners, Mexican abuelas and Uzbek nurses alongside young organizers who energized his campaign.
At campaign headquarters Mamdani received a deafening ovation as he mounted the stage flashing the wide smile that accompanied his tireless citywide organizing. Supporters danced at venues to "Nani," a hip-hop track he recorded years earlier as "Mr. Cardamom" that has since become a viral anthem for his base.
Mamdani’s pitch focused on affordability. He pledged measures including a rent freeze and establishing universal child care as an institutional entitlement. Voters like Dimuzio, who described living paycheck to paycheck despite full-time employment, said his straightforward focus on cost-of-living issues and consistent messaging set him apart from many traditional politicians.
Throughout the race Mamdani crisscrossed neighborhoods, practiced tai chi with seniors, walked the Brooklyn Bridge in the campaign's final days and campaigned late into the night at local venues. His victory marks a notable shift in New York politics and underscores the power of organized, grassroots movements in urban elections.
What’s next
As mayor-elect, Mamdani will need to translate campaign promises into concrete policy while navigating a diverse city and a complex city hall. Supporters celebrated the win as both a symbolic and practical step toward reshaping priorities on housing, child care and economic relief for working New Yorkers.