Zohran Mamdani’s Shocking Victory in New York City Mayoral Race Defies Expectations

Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani (R) and his wife, Rama Duwaji (L), cast their ballots on Nov. 4, 2025, in the Queens borough of New York City. Voters across the city participated in selecting Eric Adams’ successor, with Mamdani securing a decisive win over Andrew Cuomo.

Most political analysts anticipated that a record voter turnout—surpassing 2 million for the first time since 1969—would secure victory for Cuomo. However, Mamdani, a self-described socialist with controversial stances on Israel and law enforcement, claimed 50% of the vote compared to Cuomo’s 41%.

The shift in New York’s political landscape stems from a new demographic. The city has evolved beyond the centrist Democratic framework of the past, where figures like Ed Koch and Mario Cuomo competed for working-class ethnics—Poles, Jews, Irish, Italians, and Puerto Ricans. These groups, historically aligned with center-right policies, have been replaced by Hispanic, South Asian, Middle Eastern, and young white college-educated voters.

Mamdani’s support came from 68% of white voters aged 18–40, 86% of young Hispanics, 83% of young Blacks, and 78% of those under 29. Conversely, Cuomo retained 56% of voters over 65 and 53% of Catholics. Notably, 55% of higher-income voters ($100,000–$200,000) backed Mamdani, alongside 86% of those prioritizing higher taxes.

Exit polling revealed stark divides: 67% of crime-focused voters supported Cuomo, while 66% of cost-of-living concerns favored Mamdani. Despite 50% of voters deeming his policies unrealistic, Mamdani’s coalition proved resilient.

George J. Marlin, a former Port Authority executive and author, argues that Mamdani’s victory reflects a generational shift toward progressive ideals, though he questions the practicality of socialist governance. The article underscores a transformed political landscape in New York City, where traditional voting patterns have been upended by evolving demographics.