New York Mayor: Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani wins New York City election

A jubilant Zohran Mamdani has taken a pointed swipe at US President Donald Trump after claiming victory in the New York City mayoral election.

A democratic socialist, Mr Mamdani — who is the first Muslim elected to lead New York City, and at 34 the youngest in 100 years — used his victory speech to deliver broadsides at Mr Trump and the billionaire class.

“In this moment of political darkness New York will be the light,” Mr Mamdani proclaimed.

He described his election as a victory for “hope over tyranny, hope over big money and small ideas. Hope over despair.”

Mr Mamdani then got personal.

“If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him”.

“And if there is any way to terrify a despot, it is by dismantling the very conditions that allowed him to accumulate power.

“This is not only how we stop Trump. It’s how we stopped the next one.

“So, Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you. Turn the volume up.”

Mr Mamdani beat out former governor Andrew Cuomo, who was running as an independent, and perennial Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, for the top job.

When he takes office on January 1, Mr Mamdani will have to navigate the demands of America’s biggest city and deliver on ambitious, sceptics say unrealistic, campaign promises.

He has proposed raising taxes on the richest New Yorkers and using the money to make city buses free and provide free, universal child care. He has also promised to freeze rent for people living in about one million rent-regulated apartments.

Shortly after the race was called, Mr Mamdani posted a video on X of a subway train pulling up to City Hall station, with the audio “The next and last stop is: City Hall”.

The result will not please Mr Trump or his fellow Republicans who have cast Mr Mamdani as the face of a new, more radical Democratic Party.

Mr Trump, who endorsed Mr Cuomo on the eve of the election, by-passing the Republican candidate, had also threatened to take over the city if Mr Mamdani wins, as well as arrest and deport the state assembly member, who was born in Uganda but is a US citizen.

Mr Trump responded to a number of Democratic wins on election night, posting an all-caps rant on his Truth Social platform, blaming the fact he wasn’t on the ballot and the US Government shutdown for the defeat of Republican candidates.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer congratulated Mr Mamdani on the win, saying it was “well earned” and “historic”.

“I have worked collaboratively and productively with Mayor-elect Mamdani on a number of vital issues over the years,” Schumer said in a statement. “I look forward to building on that partnership to keep New York City strong, fair, more affordable, and thriving.”

— with AP