New York just witnessed something it hasn't seen in generations. On November 4, 2025, the dust finally settled on one of the most chaotic, high-stakes political brawls in the city’s history. If you’re looking for the short answer: Zohran Mamdani won the race for mayor of New York.
But honestly? Just saying he won doesn't even begin to cover the drama. This wasn't your typical "incumbent cruises to victory" situation. In fact, the incumbent, Eric Adams, wasn't even the main character by the time the general election rolled around. He had suspended his campaign back in September.
Instead, we got a showdown between a 34-year-old Democratic Socialist, a political titan trying for a comeback (Andrew Cuomo), and a man who famously patrols the subways in a red beret (Curtis Sliwa).
The Final Numbers: How the Votes Stacked Up
When the Associated Press called the race, the numbers were pretty staggering for a city that usually sees low turnout. Over 2.2 million New Yorkers showed up to vote. That’s the highest turnout for a mayoral race since 1969. People weren't just voting; they were making a point.
Mamdani didn't just squeak by. He secured a clear majority in the general election, defeating both a former governor and a perennial Republican challenger.
2025 NYC Mayoral General Election Results:
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| Candidate | Party/Affiliation | Total Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zohran Mamdani | Democrat | 1,114,184 | 50.8% |
| Andrew Cuomo | Independent | 906,614 | 41.3% |
| Curtis Sliwa | Republican | 153,749 | 7.0% |
| Eric Adams | Independent (Withdrawn) | 6,897 | 0.3% |
Basically, Mamdani swept Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Queens. Cuomo only managed to carry Staten Island, which is typical for New York politics, but even there, his margin wasn't enough to stop the "Mamdani Momentum."
Why the Race for Mayor of New York Swung Left
So, how did a Ugandan-born state assemblyman from Astoria, Queens, become the 111th mayor of the world’s most famous city?
It really came down to a "mandate for change." New Yorkers are tired. Rent is through the roof. The subways are... well, they’re the subways. Mamdani leaned hard into a platform of "relentless improvement" and affordability.
He made some bold promises that definitely raised eyebrows:
- A total freeze on rents for rent-stabilized apartments.
- Expanding free bus service across all five boroughs.
- Opening city-owned grocery stores to combat "food deserts."
- Taxing high earners and corporations to pay for it all.
Cuomo tried to play the "experience" card. He reminded everyone he knew how to run a government, especially during a crisis. But his past baggage—the scandals that led to his resignation as governor—seemed to haunt him. Even running as an Independent couldn't scrub that off. Voters apparently decided they’d rather take a risk on a new face than go back to a familiar one they didn't quite trust anymore.
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Making History in an Abandoned Subway Station
If you thought the campaign was wild, the inauguration was weirder.
Mamdani was officially sworn in on January 1, 2026. He didn't do the traditional grand ballroom thing for the private ceremony. Instead, he took the oath of office at midnight in an abandoned subway station beneath City Hall. It was the old City Hall station, built in 1904—a gorgeous, vaulted space that's been closed to the public for decades.
He said it was symbolic. A monument to a city that "dared to build great things."
He also made history as New York City's first Muslim and first South Asian mayor. During the ceremony, he used a historic Quran on loan from the New York Public Library—one that originally belonged to the legendary Black historian Arturo Schomburg.
The Challenges Ahead
Winning was the easy part. Now, Mamdani has to actually run the place.
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His relationship with the state government is going to be the thing to watch. To get his "tax the rich" plans through, he needs Governor Kathy Hochul and the state legislature on board. While Hochul congratulated him, it's no secret that the more moderate wing of the Democratic party is nervous about his socialist agenda.
Then there’s the NYPD. Mamdani has already made a major move by appointing Jessica Tisch as Police Commissioner. He’s trying to balance his progressive roots with the city's very real concerns about public safety.
What This Means for You
If you live in NYC, your life is probably about to change in very specific ways. Here is what you should keep an eye on over the next few months:
- Rent Guidelines Board: Watch for the upcoming votes on rent increases. Mamdani promised a freeze, and he’ll likely appoint people to the board who will try to make that happen.
- The "Free Bus" Expansion: Look for pilot programs in your borough. He wants to move toward a city where transit is a public right, not a per-ride fee.
- Community Safety: The administration is pushing for a "Department of Community Safety" to handle mental health and homelessness calls. This could change how 911 responses look in your neighborhood.
The race for mayor of New York is over, but the actual work of turning a campaign slogan into a functioning city is just starting. Whether you're a fan of the new mayor or a skeptic, there's no denying that New York City has entered a completely different era of politics.
To stay ahead of how these policies affect your taxes or rent, make sure you are registered for local community board meetings. Most of these "radical" changes will face their first hurdles in local hearings and city council debates long before they reach your front door.