Zohran Mamdani makes history as New York City’s first Muslim mayor, years after Trump labeled London’s Sadiq Khan the “worst mayor.” A symbolic turn in global politics.
President Trump once ignited controversy by calling London Mayor Sadiq Khan the “worst mayor”, criticizing his handling of crime and public safety in the British capital. The comments sparked backlash across the UK and beyond, highlighting Trump’s strained relationship with Muslim leaders.
Karma or Coincidence? Now, in a striking turn of events, New York City has elected Zohran Mamdani as its first Muslim mayor, a historic milestone that many see as a symbolic reversal of the rhetoric once used against London’s mayor Sadiq Khan.
Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s First Muslim Mayor
Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, secured a landmark victory in New York City’s mayoral race on Tuesday, marking a rapid rise from a relatively unknown state legislator to a prominent Democrat on the national stage.
CBS reports Mamdani earned 1,035,645 votes (50.4%) compared to 854,783 (41.6%) for former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent, and 146,127 (7.1%) for Curtis Sliwa.
Mamdani’s win breaks new ground as he becomes the first Muslim mayor of America’s largest city. He triumphed over Cuomo, 67, who lost the Democratic primary nomination to Mamdani and opted to run independently.
Their contest highlights an ideological and generational clash with potential national consequences for the Democratic Party.
Campaign Controversies and Historic Background
Born in Uganda to an Indian family, Mamdani moved to the United States at age seven and became a naturalized citizen in 2018. His victory speech reflected hope and determination. Mamdani declared in his victory speech:
“Hope is alive”
Mamdani says:
“We won because New Yorkers allowed themselves to hope that the impossible could be made possible.”
Mamdani further adds:
“We won because we insisted that no longer would politics be something that is done to us. Now, it is something we do,”
He also cited Jawaharlal Nehru, emphasizing historic change:
“A moment comes, but rarely in history, when we step out from the old to the new, when an age ends, and when the soul of a nation, long suppressed, finds utterance.”
Mamdani pledged an end to Islamophobia in New York politics and warned that the city will no longer tolerate such prejudices. Addressing the U.S. President who is also a New Yorker, Mamdani says:
“Donald Trump, since I know you are watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up!”
He vowed to dismantle the “culture of corruption” that benefits billionaires like Trump through tax evasion and lost revenues. Mamdani expressed strong support for unions and labor rights, promising to shrink the power of exploitative bosses.
In the final stretch, former President Donald Trump intervened by labeling Mamdani a “Jew hater,” an allegation Mamdani’s campaign firmly rejected.
Commitment to Diversity and Fighting Discrimination
Mamdani promised inclusive governance for immigrants, trans community members, Black women displaced by Trump administration policies, and struggling single mothers.
He reiterated a commitment to Jewish New Yorkers and vowed to combat anti-Semitism while assuring New York’s Muslim population of belonging and respect.
During his historic inaugural speech, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani recited verses from the Holy Quran, speaking of compassion, resilience, and unity, a moment that symbolized both his faith and the city’s growing embrace of diversity.
The celebration was capped with the upbeat Bollywood track ‘Dhoom Machale’. Closing his speech, Mamdani thanked the city’s residents:
“This power is yours. This city belongs to you.”
National Leaders Congratulate Mamdani
Several prominent Democrats lauded Mamdani’s victory.
Former President Bill Clinton wished him success in transforming campaign energy into practical improvements for New York City. Clinton said:
“I’m wishing you success as you work to transform the passion of your campaign into building a better, fairer, more affordable New York.”
Hillary Clinton noted a historically high voter turnout. Hillary said:
“More people voted in New York City’s election this year than they have in 50 years.”
Senator Bernie Sanders hailed Mamdani’s triumph as one of the major political upsets in recent American history, emphasizing that government must represent working people, not the elite 1%. Bernie said:
“Mamdani had pulled off one of the great political upsets in modern American history. Yes. We CAN create a government that represents working people and not the 1pc.”
Former President Barack Obama praised all Democratic winners, stressing the power of unity behind forward-looking leadership devoted to key issues. Obama says:
“When we come together around strong, forward-looking leaders who care about the issues that matter, we can win”. We’ve still got plenty of work to do, but the future looks a little bit brighter.”
Ghazala Hashmi Breaks Barriers in Virginia
In a related historic win, Ghazala Hashmi defeated Republican John Reid to become Virginia’s lieutenant governor. She is the first South Asian to hold statewide office in Virginia and the first Muslim woman elected to such a role in the U.S.
Hashmi obtained 747,773 votes (53.8%) versus Reid’s 659,421 (46.4%) after a competitive campaign. She claimed the Democratic nomination earlier by narrowly defeating former Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney and State Senator Aaron Rouse.
A progressive Democrat, she received key endorsements including from California Congressman Ro Khanna. Originally from Hyderabad, India, Hashmi earned a PhD in English and taught for over 20 years before entering politics. She was the first Muslim woman elected to the Virginia state Senate in 2019.
Democratic Gains in Virginia and New Jersey Governorships
Democrat Abigail Spanberger made history as Virginia’s first female governor, defeating Republican Earle-Sears. Spanberger emphasized economic issues, public safety, and abortion rights, focusing her campaign on pragmatic leadership over partisanship.
She said:
“We sent a message to the world that in 2025 Virginia chose pragmatism over partisanship.”
Spanberger said in her victory speech:
“We chose our Commonwealth over chaos.”
She further adds:
“You all chose leadership that will focus relentlessly on what matters most: lowering costs, keeping our communities safe and strengthening our economy for every Virginian.”
In New Jersey, Democrat Mikie Sherrill won the governor’s race against Republican Jack Ciattarelli, extending Democratic control for a third consecutive term—a political milestone not seen since the 1960s.
Democratic Party’s Path After 2024 Losses
These races tested Democratic strategies ahead of the 2026 midterms, as the party rebuilds after significant setbacks in 2024. With congressional control up for grabs, Democrats are evaluating how best to regain momentum.
In response to Republican losses, Donald Trump blamed the ongoing government shutdown and his absence from the ballot for those setbacks, citing unnamed pollsters on his Truth Social platform.
Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform:
“‘TRUMP WASN’T ON THE BALLOT, AND SHUTDOWN, WERE THE TWO REASONS THAT REPUBLICANS LOST ELECTIONS TONIGHT,’ according to Pollsters.”
