Zohran Mamdani, who ran on universal child care, elected New York City mayor

November 5, 2025

Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has won New York City's mayoral election, defeating both former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. The 34-year-old Queens assemblymember previously beat Cuomo in the Democratic primary and centered his campaign on affordability issues, proposing initiatives like free childcare and rent freezes. Mamdani's victory represents a significant rejection of Cuomo's attempted political comeback following his 2021 resignation amid sexual harassment allegations.

Who is affected

Zohran Mamdani (winner of the mayoral race)
Andrew Cuomo (defeated in both primary and general election)
Curtis Sliwa (Republican candidate, defeated)
Eric Adams (incumbent mayor who dropped out)
New York City voters and residents
Young voters who turned out in large numbers
The transgender community, immigrants, Black women, and single mothers (groups Mamdani pledged to support)
Gov. Kathy Hochul (allied with Mamdani on childcare)
Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (supporters)

What action is being taken

No explicit ongoing actions are described in the article. The article reports on completed election results and past campaign activities.

Why it matters

This election represents a significant rejection of Andrew Cuomo's political comeback attempt following his resignation over sexual harassment allegations, contrasting with the broader national trend exemplified by Donald Trump's presidential victory despite sexual misconduct findings. Mamdani's victory signals voter support for progressive, affordability-focused policies in America's largest city during a time of high cost-of-living concerns. The election also marks a generational shift in New York City politics and breaks barriers with the city's first Muslim and South Asian mayor, while demonstrating that young voter mobilization and grassroots organizing can overcome established political dynasties.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The 19th