From the busy sidewalks of New York City to quiet suburban living rooms across the country, Muslim Americans erupted in celebration as Zohran Mamdani secured victory in the dramatic race for New York City mayor. His election the first time a Muslim has been chosen to lead America’s most populous city felt like far more than a political win. For many, it symbolized belonging, recognition, and a rejection of the Islamophobia that has shadowed their communities for decades.
Mamdani defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, according to the Associated Press, capping off a stunning political rise that few in the establishment saw coming. On Steinway Street in Astoria a neighborhood lined with Middle Eastern cafés, halal shops and family-run restaurants supporters cheered, waved signs and shouted “Go Zohran!” as canvassers walked by wearing pins of their hometown assemblyman turned mayor-elect.
A Muslim immigrant and Democratic socialist, Mamdani energized voters with a grassroots, youth-driven campaign focused on affordability, housing, and dignity for working families. With his easy smile, relentless energy and unapologetic commitment to progressive politics, he made New Yorkers feel seen especially those who felt ignored by the political system.
The Ugandan-born son of Indian parents, Mamdani came to the United States as a child, grew up in Queens, and often spoke about being “a mayor for all New Yorkers.” He embraced progressive traditions while also proudly affirming his Muslim identity. Unlike many politicians who downplay faith to avoid controversy, Mamdani refused to hide who he was.
At a packed watch party at Mokafé Coffee in Astoria, Tanvir Chowdhury a volunteer who’d spent the day knocking on doors said he felt part of something historic. “My auntie, uncle, big brother, my sister-in-law, everyone was knocking on doors,” he said. “Young people are rising up. They’re fed up. Politicians are not representing the people they’re representing corporations.”
Support came not only from New Yorkers. Mushter Moin drove from Connecticut, holding his 10-year-old son’s hand as results rolled in. “Having lived through post-9/11, this is an amazing transition,” he said. “He may be Muslim, but that’s not the only reason he won. He’s representing everyone. He has a multi-ethnic coalition.”
To many Muslim Americans, the moment carried emotional weight. After 9/11, their communities suffered suspicion, surveillance, and hate crimes. Mamdani’s victory loud, public, nationally televised felt like a rewriting of that narrative.
“It reinforces the idea that we belong, that we should be serving our communities,” said Samir Hashmi of New Jersey. “This has given me hope like nothing before.”
Mamdani’s campaign wasn’t spared hostility. In the final days of the race, anti-Muslim attacks surged online and in political messaging, dredging up slurs like “terrorist” and “extremist.” He was accused of antisemitism because of his sharp criticism of the Israeli state, even as he repeatedly promised to defend Jewish New Yorkers from hate and discrimination.
Yet voters rejected the smear campaign. Mohamed Shallan of Somerset said that alone was uplifting. “He talks about issues New Yorkers care about,” he said. “Maybe him being Muslim and brown is part of the appeal, but you have to give him credit for his ideas for what he’s actually saying.”
For Muslim Americans, and for many others watching across the country, Mamdani’s victory was more than the end of an election it was the beginning of a new chapter. A chapter where identity did not disqualify, where belonging outweighed fear, and where a once-marginalised community saw itself reflected in the most powerful office of the nation’s greatest city.
