Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, 34, won the New York City mayoral race on Tuesday, marking a historic political milestone. He will become the first Muslim mayor of the largest city in the United States.
Mamdani defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo, 67, who ran as an independent after losing the Democratic nomination. The election turned into a fierce generational and ideological battle with national implications for the Democratic Party.
According to CBS, Mamdani secured 677,615 votes (49.6%), while Cuomo gained 568,488 (41.6%), and Curtis Sliwa trailed with 108,377 (7.9%).
Born in Uganda to a family of Indian origin, Mamdani moved to the United States at age seven and became a naturalised citizen in 2018. His rise from state legislator to mayor underscores a new progressive wave in Democratic politics.
In Virginia, Democrat Abigail Spanberger won the governor’s race, becoming the first woman to hold the office. She defeated Republican Earle-Sears, flipping the state and giving Democrats renewed momentum after 2024 losses.
Spanberger, 47, focused her campaign on economic issues, affordability, and abortion rights, pledging pragmatic leadership.
Meanwhile, Ghazala Hashmi made history as the first Muslim woman elected to statewide office in the United States after winning Virginia’s lieutenant governor’s race. She defeated Republican John Reid with 53.8% of the vote.
In New Jersey, Democrat Mikie Sherrill, a U.S. representative and former Navy pilot, won the governor’s race against Jack Ciattarelli, continuing the party’s control for a third consecutive term.
These victories offer Democrats a much-needed morale boost and signal a shift toward inclusive and progressive leadership across key states.
