New Yorkers have elected Zohran Mamdani, a young Muslim and Democratic socialist, as the new mayor — marking a historic first for the city as Americans cast their votes in nationwide local elections seen as an early verdict on Donald Trump’s turbulent second presidency.

Mamdani, 34, defeated former state governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent after losing the Democratic primary. Republican contender Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, finished third.

The next and last stop is City Hall,” Mamdani said in a video posted on X after his victory was confirmed.

Born in Uganda to Indian parents and raised in New York from the age of seven, Mamdani becomes the city’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor. A self-described socialist, he rose from relative obscurity after clinching the Democratic nomination, connecting with voters through his easygoing style and street-level campaigning.

Mamdani ran on a platform to make life more affordable for New Yorkers, promising a rent freeze on rent-stabilized apartments, free bus service, universal childcare, and city-run grocery stores. His plan to raise taxes on the wealthy and corporations, however, sparked concern among business leaders about the city’s competitiveness.

His campaign faced fierce criticism from President Trump, who labeled him a “Jew hater” on social media, and from conservative outlets including The New York Post. Prominent financiers such as Bill Ackman also backed his rivals.

The election highlighted the Democratic Party’s internal debate between centrist and progressive paths. Meanwhile, Democrats also secured key gubernatorial victories in Virginia and New Jersey — a sign of shifting political winds ahead of next year’s congressional midterms.

Former President Barack Obama hailed the results, saying, “We’ve still got plenty of work to do, but the future looks a little bit brighter.”