Uganda-born Zohran Mamdani secured a sweeping victory on Tuesday, becoming the next mayor of New York City.
His win marks the peak of an extraordinary political rise, from being a little-known state legislator just a year ago to becoming one of the most discussed figures in U.S. politics today.
The democratic socialist, who also spent part of his childhood in South Africa, will be the first Muslim to hold the position in the city’s history.
Addressing cheering supporters on Tuesday night, Mamdani quickly directed strong words at U.S. President Donald Trump.
“So Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: turn the volume up,” he declared moments after being announced as the winner.
Mamdani vowed that under his leadership, New York would be a beacon of hope “in this moment of political darkness.”
Throughout his campaign, he made resisting the Republican president’s policies, especially those targeting immigrants, a central theme.
“New York will remain a city of immigrants, a city built by immigrants, powered by immigrants. And as of tonight, led by an immigrant,” Mamdani said to loud applause.
Then he delivered a pointed message aimed directly at Trump: “To get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us.”
Before the election, Trump, whose public image is closely tied to New York had threatened to cut federal funding and even take control of the city if Mamdani won.
At just 34 years old, Mamdani will officially assume office on January 1, becoming the youngest mayor the city has had in more than 100 years.
