In one of the most striking political upsets in recent memory, Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani has made history by winning the New York City mayoral race in a landslide.

At just 34 years old, Mamdani — the son of Ugandan and Indian immigrants — will become both the first Muslim and first South Asian mayor in the city’s long history.

His campaign inspired record-breaking voter turnout, with more than two million New Yorkers casting ballots — the highest participation the city has seen in over half a century.

According to the city’s Board of Elections, Mamdani secured over 1.03 million votes, outpacing former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa by a wide margin.

His campaign, driven by promises to tackle housing affordability, improve public transportation, and strengthen immigrant rights, resonated deeply with younger and working-class voters who have grown frustrated with establishment politics.

Long before election day, tensions had been brewing between Mamdani — a progressive Democrat and democratic socialist — and former President Donald Trump, who still maintains deep personal and business connections to New York.

In a Fox News interview earlier in the year, Trump dismissed Mamdani as “too radical for New York,” calling him a “pure communist” and warning that a Mamdani victory would be disastrous for the city’s economy.

On his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump repeatedly attacked Mamdani, going so far as to threaten a reduction in federal funding for New York if the progressive lawmaker were elected.

“Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice,” Trump wrote in one post. “You must vote for him and hope he does a fantastic job. He is capable of it, but Mamdani is not!”

In another message, Trump added:

“If Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the Election for Mayor of New York City, it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum required, to my beloved first home.”

“A City Built by Immigrants”

When the votes were counted, however, Trump’s warnings did little to sway the electorate. As the results became clear, crowds poured into the streets of Queens, Mamdani’s political home base, to celebrate.

In his victory speech on November 4, Mamdani thanked his supporters and reaffirmed his vision for an inclusive, just, and forward-looking New York. He also delivered a pointed message to his critics — and a direct challenge to Trump.

“New York will remain a city of immigrants,” he declared. “Built by immigrants, powered by immigrants — and as of tonight, led by an immigrant.”

The crowd erupted in applause before Mamdani continued:

“If any city can show a nation divided by fear how to rebuild hope, it’s the city that gave rise to Donald Trump.”

Then, looking straight into the camera, Mamdani added with a smile:

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

The clip quickly went viral across social media platforms, celebrated by his supporters as a defining moment of defiance and confidence.

Trump’s Ominous Response

It didn’t take long for Trump to respond. Within hours, he posted a cryptic message on Truth Social:

“…AND SO IT BEGINS!”

The brief but loaded statement sparked waves of speculation.

Given Trump’s earlier threats to restrict funding to the city and his frequent characterization of Mamdani as a “communist,” many analysts believe his words could signal plans to obstruct the new mayor’s initiatives through political or legal pressure.

While some dismissed the message as classic Trump bluster, others warned it could foreshadow the start of a contentious relationship between the White House and New York’s new leadership.

A Defining Moment for New York

Mamdani’s victory is already being hailed as a turning point — a generational shift that reflects the city’s evolving demographics and priorities.

Supporters describe it as proof that a grassroots, progressive movement can overcome entrenched political machines.

Critics, on the other hand, question whether Mamdani’s left-leaning policies can sustain the city’s economic competitiveness and safety.

As he prepares to assume office, Mamdani faces enormous challenges: expanding affordable housing, reducing homelessness, improving public transit, and ensuring safety while pursuing justice-based reform.

Yet, his win has already reshaped the conversation around what is possible in New York politics — and what kind of leadership its people demand.

One thing is undeniable: Zohran Mamdani’s rise marks the beginning of a new chapter — not only for New York City but for the future of American urban politics.