Ugandan-born Zohran Mamdani elected as New York City’s first Muslim mayor
Zohran, who was born in Kampala, Uganda, and raised in New York, defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa in Tuesday’s general election.
New York City has made history with the election of Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Assemblyman of Ugandan origin, as its new mayor.
Zohran’s victory marks a significant moment in the city’s political history, as he becomes the first Muslim and the youngest person in more than one hundred years to hold the office.
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Zohran, who was born in Kampala, Uganda, and raised in New York, defeated former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa in Tuesday’s general election.
According to the city’s election commission, Zohran’s campaign drew large support from younger voters, immigrant communities, and progressive groups who backed his message of equality, affordable housing, and improved public services.
He will take office on January 1, 2026, succeeding Mayor Eric Adams, who has served since 2022. Zohran’s election represents a shift in the city’s political direction, as voters turned to a candidate who has built his reputation through grassroots organising and advocacy for working-class residents.
Before entering city politics, Zohran served as a member of the New York State Assembly representing Astoria, Queens. During his time in the Assembly, he worked on policies related to housing rights, public transit, and criminal justice reform. His background in community organising played a major role in shaping his campaign and connecting him with residents across the city.
Zohran’s parents emigrated from Uganda when he was born. His father, Mahmood Mamdani, is a respected academic, and his mother, Mira Nair, is an award-winning filmmaker known for her work on international issues.
Growing up in a multicultural household, Zohran has often spoken about how his upbringing influenced his understanding of identity, migration, and public service.
His victory speech, delivered Tuesday night in Queens, focused on unity and accountability. He thanked New Yorkers for trusting him to lead the city and promised to work for all residents regardless of their background or political affiliation.
He emphasised that his administration will focus on housing, education, and public safety reforms that are designed to improve living conditions across all boroughs.
“I stand here as a son of immigrants and as someone who believes that every New Yorker deserves dignity, fairness, and opportunity,” he said. “This city gave my family a home and a future. My responsibility now is to ensure it continues to do the same for every family.”
During the campaign, Zohran faced tough competition from Andrew Cuomo, who attempted a political comeback after leaving the governor’s office in 2021.
Curtis Sliwa, who had previously run for mayor, represented the Republican Party but struggled to gain wide support in a city that has leaned Democratic for decades.
Analysts say Zohran’s win reflects growing political diversity in New York and the increasing influence of younger, progressive voters who prioritise social equity and economic justice. His election follows a national trend where candidates from immigrant and minority backgrounds are gaining representation in major political offices.
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