Zohran Mamdani Wins Mayoral Race with Record Turnout

Gabriella Morrone ‘28

New York City’s 2025 mayoral election saw a huge surge of participation & energy amongst voters. Over 2 million New Yorkers across all 5 boroughs charged to the polls to vote and make a difference for our city.

The three main candidates, Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa all offered different approaches to the city’s most pressing issues, like affordable housing, public safety, and transportation.

Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani emphasized proposals based on affordability. For example, some propositions he campaigned for were rent freezes for regulated apartments and an expansion on affordable housing.

Andrew Cuomo, running as an Independent, campaigned for more traditional policies while advocating for economic development projects across the city.

Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa centered his platform on increasing police presence, reducing crime, and strengthening law-and-order policies.

The night of the election, Mamdani became the next mayor of New York City, making history as NYC’s first Muslim mayor. He will take office on January 1st, 2026. In the meantime, as he prepares to take office, the incoming administration faces a long list of policy questions, budget decisions, and collaborative challenges across the city agencies and state partners.

Despite the challenges ahead, the election left many New Yorkers feeling very optimistic & hopeful. Communities across the city came together to participate in local government, discuss the future, and share ideas for improving life in their neighborhoods.

With new leadership, many residents are optimistic that positive changes are within reach. They are looking forward to a New York that is more affordable, safer, and a more improved version of the city that is so close to all of our hearts.

As the city looks forward, the next few years will test these plans of mayor-elect Mamdani, but the sense of hope & renewed involvement suggests that New York’s future is bright & full of possibilities for everyone.