The best reactions to Zohran Mamdani's stunning mayoral win
New York, New York - Zohran Mamdani is poised to become the next leader of the nation's largest city! Here's what supporters and opponents are saying about Tuesday's stunning election result.
Mamdani won the general election to become the next mayor of New York City. The Democratic nominee ran on a platform calling for greater affordability, increased protections for immigrants, and recognition of Palestinian human rights.
The 34-year-old's victory sparked mass celebrations among New Yorkers and supporters around the country – and butthurt responses from opponents.
Donald Trump took to social media to insult Jewish voters casting their ballots for Mamdani, whom he has called a "communist" and a "radical left lunatic." He previously threatened to withhold federal funding from New York City should Mamdani win.
"Any Jewish person that votes for Zohran Mamdani, a proven and self professed JEW HATER, is a stupid person!!!" the president posted on Truth Social on Tuesday.
The Republican later blamed the ongoing government shutdown for his party's sweeping election losses, writing, "'TRUMP WASN'T ON THE BALLOT, AND SHUTDOWN, WERE THE TWO REASONS THAT REPUBLICANS LOST ELECTIONS TONIGHT,' according to Pollsters."
Israel's Minister of Diaspora and Combating Antisemitism Amichai Chikli took to X to express his dismay.
"The city that once stood as a symbol of global freedom has handed over its keys to a Hamas supporter," Chikli posted.
He went on to say that Mamdani's views were "not far from those of the jihadist fanatics who, 25 years ago, murdered 3,000 of its people," referring to the September 11, 2001, attacks.
The remarks were yet another example of the Islamophobic hate that Mamdani – the city's first Muslim mayor-elect – has faced since launching his campaign.
Zohran Mamdani's supporters hail "historic victory"
Despite Trump's threats, New Yorkers turned out in droves to elect Mamdani in an impressive victory that saw him topple top challenger Andrew Cuomo, the disgraced former governor of the state.
Senator Bernie Sanders – who endorsed Mamdani and joined him at several campaign rallies – called the Tuesday night win "one of the great political upsets in modern American history."
"Yes. We CAN create a government that represents working people and not the 1%. I look forward to working with Zohran as he builds a city that works for all," the Vermont independent said on X.
Representative Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian American in Congress, shared a picture with Mamdani on Instagram, writing, "This was an amazing night. This win showed us all that the millions of dollars from CEOs and corporations could not overtake the desire by New Yorkers that want to thrive, not just survive."
"The city of NY experienced a record turnout because Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani engaged and spoke to ALL New Yorkers. He understood that people wanted a city they could afford," she added.
New York Attorney General Letitia James called the win a "historic victory."
"Congratulations to my friend and the next Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani. I was so proud to support your campaign, and I look forward to working together to build a city that's affordable for all New Yorkers," James said.
Exit polls suggest Mamdani had particularly strong support among young New Yorkers, as high as 75% among voters ages 18-29.
"Our generation is clear: we're done with corrupt politicians who take orders from their billionaire donors. We demand a livable and affordable future," Sunrise Movement posted.
Mamdani is due to take over as the 111th mayor of New York City on January 1, 2026.
Cover photo: REUTERS