Zohran Mamdani's Historic NYC Mayoral Win Sparks Pride, Praise and Sharp Criticism Worldwide

Zohran Mamdani's Victory Evokes Celebration and Controversy

Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old self-described democratic socialist, won New York City's mayoral race and will become the city's first Muslim mayor. Born in Uganda, Mamdani spent two years in South Africa before moving to New York as a child, a background that many in his birthplace say makes his victory especially resonant.

In Uganda, supporters celebrated the achievement as a proud moment for a hometown son. Joseph Beyanga, CEO of the National Association of Broadcasters, who says he mentored Mamdani when the future mayor interned at the Daily Monitor in high school, told reporters he was exhilarated by the result.

“What a moment! It was beautiful! I am excited!” Beyanga said, pumping his hands in the air. He recalled Mamdani's early drive, noting that even then the young intern cared about how public affairs affected ordinary people.

In London, Mayor Sadiq Khan — who became the British capital's first Muslim mayor in 2016 and is now serving his third term — offered congratulations and framed the outcome as a choice of hope over fear. Khan also wrote for Time magazine about the significance of two major global cities having leaders of the same faith while stressing that policy and addressing voters' concerns drove both campaigns.

At the same time, Mamdani's record on Middle East issues has drawn intense scrutiny. A longtime advocate for Palestinian rights, he has been accused by critics of antisemitism and of sympathizing with extremist groups — allegations he denies. During his campaign he declined to fully endorse or repeat the slogan "globalize the intifada," saying he would "discourage" that language and that it is not language he uses. The Arabic word "intifada" literally means "uprising," but the phrase is widely regarded by many as a call to violence against Israel.

Israel's ambassador to the United States, Danny Danon, responded sharply on social media: "Mamdani's inflammatory remarks will not deter us. The Jewish community in New York and across the United States deserves safety and respect. We will continue to strengthen our ties with Jewish community leaders to ensure their security and well-being."

Media coverage abroad has been divided. CBS News' team in Israel reported that domestic commentary split along ideological lines: left-leaning outlets urged giving Mamdani a chance and noted his focus on social and economic issues, while more right-leaning publications expressed alarm. The Times of Israel ran a front-page headline calling him a "far-left, anti-Israel" victor, and an editorial in The Jerusalem Post warned his win could have troubling implications for Jews globally.

As Mamdani prepares to take office, observers say his administration will be closely watched both for how it addresses local challenges — housing, public safety, transit and inequality — and for how it navigates international and intercommunal concerns raised during a heated campaign. Supporters emphasize his focus on the needs of ordinary New Yorkers; critics remain concerned about statements on Israel and Jewish communities.

Reporting note: Reactions and quotes above were reported by international outlets, including CBS News and statements from public officials.