Zohran Mamdani has been declared the winner of New York City’s 2025 mayoral race, becoming the city’s first Muslim mayor, the first of South Asian descent, and the youngest in over a century. The Democratic nominee defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa in a contest that drew more than two million voters.
Mamdani secured 1,036,051 votes, or 50.4% of the citywide total. Cuomo received 854,995 votes, or 41.6%, while Sliwa earned 146,137 votes, or 7.1%. Analysts noted that Sliwa’s voter base, if consolidated behind another candidate, could have shifted the outcome.
Borough-level results highlighted varying patterns of support. Mamdani dominated Brooklyn with 374,094 votes (56.8%) compared to Cuomo’s 245,581 (37.3%) and Sliwa’s 32,303 (4.9%). He also carried Manhattan, taking 274,802 votes (52.7%) against Cuomo’s 224,358 (43.0%) and Sliwa’s 17,546 (3.4%). In Queens, Mamdani narrowly led Cuomo with 238,468 votes (47.3%) to 212,590 (42.2%), while Sliwa received 48,836 votes (9.7%). Cuomo prevailed in Staten Island with 82,494 votes (55.4%) to Mamdani’s 33,820 (22.7%) and Sliwa’s 31,712 (21.3%).
Sliwa’s campaign largely focused on attacking Cuomo rather than Mamdani. Analysts observed that over 90% of his criticisms targeted the former governor, while he refused to step aside despite low polling numbers. He failed to win Staten Island, traditionally considered his strongest base, and underperformed compared to his 2021 mayoral bid. Many observers concluded that his strategy of prioritizing personal grievances over broader campaign goals helped consolidate support for Mamdani.
Cuomo told his supporters that the focus should be on a smooth transition and working together with the incoming administration. “Tonight belongs to them, and as they begin their government, we will do everything we can to support a functional New York City government,” he emphasized.
Mamdani delivered his victory speech in Brooklyn, addressing supporters with a message of change and unity. “New York, tonight you have delivered a mandate for change,” he declared. “I will wake up each morning with a singular purpose: to make this city better for you than it was the day before.”
The election signals a significant moment for New York City politics, as voters embraced Mamdani’s progressive platform, including fare-free transit, universal child care, and expanded social services. While translating these campaign promises into policy will be a challenge, his victory reflects both strong support and the critical influence of Sliwa’s voter share on the outcome.
