Ugandan-Born Zohran Mamdani Elected New York City Mayor in Historic Upset

New York, November 5, 2025 — Ugandan-born lawmaker Zohran Mamdani has won the race for New York City Mayor, according to Decision Desk HQ, marking a seismic shift in the city’s political landscape and ushering in a new era of progressive leadership.

The 34-year-old democratic socialist becomes the first millennial and first Muslim to lead America’s largest city — a stunning political upset that has electrified the left and reignited debate about the future direction of the Democratic Party.

Mamdani defeated former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent after losing to him in the Democratic primary, and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the general election to succeed outgoing Mayor Eric Adams.

Throughout the campaign, Mamdani focused on affordability and equity, promising to freeze rent, create city-owned grocery stores, and make public buses free. His populist message resonated with working-class voters but also polarized Democratic circles, with party leaders split over whether to embrace his brand of politics.

One of the campaign’s most contentious issues centered on Mamdani’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. Critics faulted him for initially failing to denounce the phrase “globalize the intifada,” which some view as incitement to violence. While Mamdani never used the term himself and later urged against its use, the controversy became a flashpoint exploited by opponents, including Cuomo.

Mamdani, who has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, said he would uphold International Criminal Court warrants — even suggesting he would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he enter New York City.

Born in Kampala, Uganda, Mamdani immigrated to the United States as a child and rose through the ranks of New York politics as a progressive voice in the State Assembly. His victory now positions him as one of the most influential left-wing leaders in the country — and the first African-born mayor in the city’s history.