Anti-Zionist Zohran Mamdani Elected Mayor of New York City
The fiercely contested New York mayoral race concluded Tuesday night with Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani emerging as the winner. The 34-year-old assemblyman from Queens secured 50.4% of the vote, while former Governor Andrew Cuomo received 41.3% around 9:40 p.m., with 75% of ballots counted. Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa trailed behind with 7.5%.
This election was viewed by many New Yorkers as a referendum on Israel and the ongoing war in Gaza. Mamdani’s political career has been closely tied to his outspoken criticism of Israel. He has described Israel as an apartheid state and has been an active supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
"His victory marks a dramatic shift in New York politics — one that reflects the growing divide among Democrats over Israel and the future of Jewish identity in progressive circles."
To his supporters, Mamdani represents a principled advocate for Palestinian rights. To many Jewish leaders, however, his statements and affiliations have raised concerns about normalizing antisemitic sentiment and connecting with organizations viewed as hostile toward Israel’s existence.
Summary
Zohran Mamdani’s win as New York’s mayor signals a political and cultural shift in the city, spotlighting deep divisions within the Democratic Party over Israel and progressive identity.