U.S. elects first Muslim mayor of New York City

New York Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani at the Pride March, June 29, 2025. Photo: Roy Rochlin/Getty

On November 4, 2025, municipal elections were held in the United States, resulting in 34-year-old Zohran Mamdani becoming the new mayor of New York City, People magazine reports. This marks the first time in the city’s history that a Muslim has been elected mayor.

Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Party and a Ugandan-born politician of Indian descent, won 56% of the vote and will take office on January 1, 2026.

Known for his left-progressive agenda, Mamdani advocates higher taxes on the wealthy, free public transportation, a rent freeze, and the expansion of municipal food networks. He says he wants to “win a City Hall that works for those straining to buy groceries, not those straining to buy our democracy.”

Mamdani is also known for supporting the LGBTQ+ community and gender equality policies. During his campaign, he consistently called for defending LGBTQ+ rights and promoting anti-discrimination initiatives at the city level.

However, the new mayor has faced criticism for his sharp remarks toward Israel, having referred to its actions in Gaza as “genocide.” These statements drew disapproval from several Jewish organizations and media outlets.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the U.S. was considering military action against Nigeria over the killings of Christians.

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