Zohran Mamdani Strikes New York

During the November 4, 2025 elections, New York Borough, Queens, Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani got just over 50% of the votes in the three-way mayoral contest, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani, 34, became the city’s first Muslim mayor and the first of South Asian descent.  His win drew national attention and is being closely watched by business leaders. Reuters reports that Wall Street insiders expressed concern that his progressive platform might affect the city’s business.  The election had historic turnout: more than two million New Yorkers casted ballots, making it the largest mayoral turnout in over 50 years, reflecting broad voter engagement and especially strong support from young and first-time voters.

Zohran Mamdani was born in Uganda and raised in New York, he graduated from Bowdoin College in 2014 with a degree in Africana Studies.  After college he worked as a housing counselor in Queens before winning election to the New York State Assembly in 2020 to represent Astoria (District 36).  He was re-elected to the Assembly in 2022 and 2024, establishing himself as a progressive voice on issues like housing and worker rights.  At 34, Mamdani will be the youngest mayor in over a century when he takes office, and will serve as New York’s 111th mayor starting January 1, 2026.  He campaigned as a democratic socialist, stressing affordability and cost-of-living reforms.

The 2025 race was open after Mayor Eric Adams withdrew in September 2025 due to legal and fundraising troubles. With Adams out, the general election featured Democrat Mamdani, former Governor, Andrew Cuomo, running as an Independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Voters went to the polls on Nov. 4, 2025, amid debate over key issues: Mamdani ran a campaign centered on affordability, while Cuomo emphasized public safety and Sliwa focused on crime and law enforcement. In the end Mamdani received over one million votes, becoming the first candidate since 1969 to break that record.

Mamdani promises one main thing: AFFORDABILITY. The question is how is he going to execute that promise? 

Housing – freeze rents on all rent-stabilized apartments and build more affordable housing. 

Transportation and services – provide fast, free bus service citywide and establish city-owned grocery stores to lower food costs. 

Family support – Offer universal childcare for all families and other programs to ease the cost-of-living crisis.

Tax regulations – Pay for these programs by raising taxes on the wealthy and big corporations and increasing the minimum wage to $30 by 2030.

Mamdani’s election signals a shift toward progressive governance in New York City, however, analysts caution that many of his boldest proposals would require cooperation from state government or the courts. City officials and outside observers note that Mamdani will need to work with the State Legislature and be mindful of legal constraints when pursuing his agenda. Business and industry leaders have already signaled a mix of caution and cooperation.  Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan said New York’s success is of high interest to his firm and offered support in advising the new mayor.  JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon similarly urged collaboration, calling others to help solve these problems.  At the same time, some financiers warned that aggressive policies,like major tax hikes or strict rent control,could dampen investment.  Going forward, Mayor-elect Mamdani has vowed to work inclusively: in victory speeches he emphasized unity and “hope” for all New Yorkers.  Now he must translate those promises into policies.

If he succeeds in delivering on affordability and opportunity while maintaining New York’s economic vitality, it could reshape expectations of urban leadership in the years ahead.

Written by Taso Berulava 

Edited by Natalia Abuladze