Zohran Mamdani Becomes First Muslim Mayor of New York: How He Beat Andrew Cuomo

Although polls just months ago placed him at the bottom of the race, progressive politician and former New York State Assembly member Zohran Mamdani defeated his rival Andrew Cuomo, a former city mayor, to become the first Muslim to lead New York City. His victory is seen as evidence of a shift in the Democratic Party’s grassroots mood. How did he achieve it?

According to The Hill, five key factors explain this result:

1. Cost of living was the top issue

While Cuomo focused on crime and security, Mamdani made affordability the centerpiece of his campaign, using slogans such as “A City We Can Afford” and “Affordable Housing for All.”

2. A clear and consistent message

Mamdani’s campaign stood out for its unwavering message from day one: defending the working class and making life easier. Unlike previous Democratic campaigns, he was never vague about his goals or positions. In fact, some former supporters of Donald Trump backed this Democratic Socialist because of his clarity and authenticity.

3. Experience didn’t matter

Cuomo tried to portray himself as an experienced administrator and attacked Mamdani for his lack of executive experience. But Mamdani turned this into an advantage, presenting himself as a fresh face rejecting the old political order, in a message reminiscent of Trump’s 2016 anti-establishment campaign.

4. Broad and unconventional outreach

Mamdani made sure to be everywhere—from press conferences to social media and even nightclubs.
He hosted an influencer event that drew over 31,000 live viewers, made a surprise appearance at a Brooklyn nightclub to give a speech, and even aired campaign ads on the conservative Fox News channel—an unusual move for a progressive candidate.

5. Harnessing the energy of the left and mobilizing the base

His campaign tapped into the renewed energy of the Democratic Party’s progressive wing, supported by unions, volunteers, and small donors.

While analysts noted that Mamdani’s model “fits New York specifically,” they described his campaign as one of the most successful progressive campaigns in recent memory.

A Democratic strategist quoted by The Hill said of Mamdani’s organizing style:“Whether you love him or hate him, you can’t ignore him. When we say we need to rewrite the rules of the game, this is the kind of playbook we should follow—not the one we’ve relied on in past years.”

Observers believe Mamdani’s victory is not just a personal triumph but a sign of transformation within American progressive politics, where issues like affordable housing and cost of living now outweigh traditional political experience and the dominance of old figures like Andrew Cuomo.