New York has today elected democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani (34) as Mayor in one of the most intensely watched Mayoral candidate elections in decades. Mamdani was seen as controversial for many on the conservative side of the fence as Mamdani is an American citizen but was not born in the states, and many disagree with the religion he follows. Many progressives praise Mamdani for his charismatic personality, stance on cost of living, and the promise to not divide people based on political beliefs and work to benefit all New Yorkers.
Zohran Mamdani will be the youngest mayor of New York in over a century, and will be the second democratic socialist to take the office and the very first Muslim mayor. Mamdani won the election in just half an hour after the polls closed in the states. Mamdani was able to defeat the former New York governor, Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent after failing to secure the party primary to Mamdani. Cuomo had the vocal support of the President, whilst the President was frequently condemning both Mamdani and anyone who would vote for him.
Mamdani has promised to work towards reducing the cost of living for New Yorkers, regardless of their political affiliations. Mamdani plans to build social housing, attempt to freeze rents on rent-stabilised apartments, build a universal free childcare for children under five, and make busses free for use. The President however has stated that if Mamdani were to win he would very likely look in to reducing funds for the state.
Many progressives across the pond praise this election as the a step in the right direction for the Democratic Party. With even former president Barack Obama saying:
“when we come together around strong, forward-looking leaders who care about the issues that matter, we can win”
