I will be mayor for all New York residents, regardless of whether you voted for me or not, promises Mamdani, who in US media is portrayed as a rising star within The Democrats, in his victory speech.
If he wins the election in the fall, the 33-year-old will become the city's first mayor who is Muslim and of Indian descent.
Called up
67-year-old Andrew Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 after allegations of sexual harassment, says he called Mamdani and congratulated him.
Tonight was not our night, says Cuomo.
With 92 percent of the votes counted, Mamdani had received support of 44 percent and Cuomo 36 percent, reports The Hill.
New housing
Mamdani, who until a few months ago was a relatively unknown state parliamentarian, has conducted an energetic campaign with the help of social media and young door-to-door canvassers. Like Senator Bernie Sanders, whose support he has received, Mamdani calls himself a democratic socialist. Among the election promises are commitments to new housing in the multimillion-dollar city, financed through tax increases for high-income earners.
The Democrat is now expected to face the incumbent mayor Eric Adams, a former Democrat who has decided to run as an independent after corruption allegations. Cuomo could also run as an independent in the fall. On the Republican side, Curtis Sliwa, founder of the crime-preventing organization Guardian Angels, is expected to run.
