By SÍLE MOLONEY
MAYOR-ELECT ZOHRAN Mamdani (A.D. 36) addresses supporters inside the Brooklyn Paramount Theater in Brooklyn, New York on Election Night, Nov. 4, 2025.
Photo by Síle Moloney
Bronx Science alum, Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (A.D. 36), the Democratic mayoral nominee, was elected the 111th Mayor of New York City on Election Night, Nov. 4, in a historic win for the Ugandan-American, making him the first Muslim, the first South Asian, and the first African-born candidate to lead the City.
The mayor-elect’s win was solidified by winning four out of the five boroughs, including this time The Bronx, which he lost during the Democratic Primary to his main challenger, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Staten Island was the only borough to go to Cuomo, who ran as an independent.
Map courtesy of the Center for Urban Research at CUNY
Around 299,042 Bronxites had cast their vote in the general election on Nov. 4, as of poll closure at 9 p.m., with final numbers still to be counted, based on early votes and Election Day votes. Mail-in ballots are also still to be counted.
An immigrant whose parents are Indian, Mamdani, 34, a Democratic Socialist, who moved to the United States at age 7, and who became a naturalized citizen in 2018, won the race with around 50.39% of voter turnout, which, at over 2 million votes, was the largest since 1969 according to NYC Board of Elections (BOE).
Map courtesy of
By comparison, on Election Night in November 2021, the total voter count in the mayoral race, won by incumbent New York City Mayor Eric Adams, was around 158,457. This year, the assemblyman, beat his closest rival, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, for a second time having already won the Democratic primary in June, prompting Cuomo to run as an independent candidate in the general election.
HOW IT STARTED versus how it’s going. (Left) then-Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (A.D. 36) campaigns in the Williamsbridge Oval park in Norwood on June. 2, 2025 with a small cohort of volunteers and supporters, including State Sen. Gustavo Rivera (S.D. 33) seen behind Mamdani. (Right) Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani addresses thousands of supporters and volunteers inside the Brooklyn Paramount Theater in Brooklyn on Election Night, Nov. 4, 2025.
Photos by Síle Moloney
Mamdani’s victory celebrations took place at the Brooklyn Paramount Theater. Among those gathered inside the venue on Election Night were Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (NY-14), City Comptroller Brad Lander, State Sen. as Gustavo Rivera (S.D. 33), as well as former (losing) Democratic gubernatorial primary candidate, actress Cynthia Nixon, who lost her race to Cuomo in 2018. All had backed Mamdani ahead of the Democratic primary.
MAYOR-ELECT ZOHRAN Mamdani (A.D. 36) walks on stage at the Brooklyn Paramount Theater in Brooklyn, NY on Election Night, Nov. 4, 2025, at his victory celebration. Video by Norwood News via YouTube
Meanwhile, among Mamdani’s other supporters were members of seemingly the Indian community, the Democratic Socialists of America, various union members, including New York State Nurses Association, Muslim voters, at least one voter with a disability, and a broad mix of others, both young and old, who were seen hugging each other, some dancing, some weeping with joy.
MAYOR-ELECT ZOHRAN Mamdani (A.D. 36) addresses supporters and New Yorkers from the stage of the Brooklyn Paramount Theater in Brooklyn, NY on Election Night, Nov. 4, 2025, at his victory celebration. Video by Norwood News via YouTube
In his victory speech, Mamdani quoted Eugene Debs, the American socialist, founding members of the Industrial Workers of the World, and five-time candidate of the Socialist Party of America for President of the United States, saying in part that though the sun had set over New York City, he could “see the dawn of a better day for humanity.” He said in part, “We have toppled a political dynasty,” before later wishing his main opponent (Cuomo) well “in private life.”
SUPPORTERS OF MAYOR-ELECT Zohran Mamdani celebrate his victory inside the Brooklyn Paramount Theater in Brooklyn, NY on Election Night, Nov. 4, 2025, to the sound of Punjabi MC’s “Mundian To Bach Ke / Beware of the Boys.” Video by Norwood News via YouTube
Mamdani thanked his supporters, highlighting various ethnic groups as he did so, and recommitted to his campaign promises of freezing the rent, providing free and fast buses, as well as universal healthcare. He also challenged Republican U.S. President Trump to “turn up the volume” since he knew he was watching the speech. Addressing his supporters, he concluded, “New York, this power is yours. This city belongs to you. Thank you.”
SUPPORTERS OF MAYOR-ELECT Zohran Mamdani celebrate his victory inside the Brooklyn Paramount Theater in Brooklyn, NY on Election Night, Nov. 4, 2025, to the sound of Jay-Z’s “Empire State of Mind” featuring Alicia Keys. Video by Norwood News via YouTube
Reacting to the win, Ocasio-Cortez told NBC News she was not surprised by Mamdani’s win and said across the country people were hungry for leaders who were going to “put them first.”
SUPPORTERS OF MAYOR-ELECT Zohran Mamdani celebrate his victory outside the Brooklyn Paramount Theater in Brooklyn, NY, on Election Night, Nov. 4, 2025, singing along to Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York.” Video by Norwood News via YouTube
Asked how she thought the assemblyman managed to convey what some moderate Democrats, Conservatives and Republicans saw as a radical platform into one that resonated with so many voters, she said in part, “It speaks to how far everyday people have been pushed.”
BRONX STATE SEN. Gustavo Rivera (S.D. 33) addresses supporters and volunteers for Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (A.D. 36) in the Williamsbridge Oval in Norwood on ahead of the New York mayoral primary.
Photos by Síle Moloney
Asked how his campaign might provide a blueprint for other Democratic election wins, she said many Mamdani voters had previously voted for Trump and that it showed there was more than one path to winning elections. “We’re laser-focused on the working class. We don’t take voters for granted,” she said in part.
In terms of the feasibility of achieving his agenda through cooperation with Albany, the congresswoman said she believed New Yorkers were “pragmatic.”
FARHAN MOHAMMAD, OF the Muslim Democratic Club of New York attended the victory celebration for Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani inside the Paramount Theater in Brooklyn on Election Night, Nov. 4, 2025.
Photo by Síle Moloney
Asked if she saw Democratic Socialism working in other parts of the country, she said since she first starting voting (for U.S. President Barack Obama in 2008), Democrats had been called socialists and gradually, it has become to be seen as less of a dirty word essentially and has started to actually resonate with voters.
STEVEN BENEJAY FROM Texas attended the victory celebration for Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani inside the Paramount Theater in Brooklyn on Election Night, Nov. 4, 2025.
Photo by Síle Moloney
Asked for her final takeaway following the result, she said, “As dark as this time is, as challenging as this moment can be, anything is still possible in America.”
FATIMA THIAM FROM Mott Haven in The Bronx attended the victory celebration for Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani inside the Paramount Theater in Brooklyn on Election Night, Nov. 4, 2025.
Photo by Síle Moloney
For his part, Lander made his feelings on Election Night crystal clear, wearing a T-shirt in the style of the Mamdani blue and yellow campaign colors that read, “Good f*cking riddance,” in reference to Cuomo.
Meanwhile, Rivera later said, “Congratulations, brother! Your victory is a testament to the power of hope & community.”
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF the NYC mayoral race held Nov. 4, 2025.
Image courtesy of the NYC Board of Elections
He continued, “You didn’t just win, you reignited NY’s idea of what’s possible. When I endorsed you back in April, this is the win we dreamed about. And you beat Cuomo TWICE! So excited for the work ahead.”
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF the NYC mayoral race held Nov. 4, 2025, broken down by borough.
Image courtesy of the NYC Board of Elections
As reported, following the endorsement of Mamdani by the Bronx Democratic Party in early September, the assemblyman went on to win The Bronx (by 52%) in the general election, a borough he lost to Cuomo in the Democratic primary, along with Staten Island. The latter was finally the only borough win for Cuomo in the general election.
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF the NYC public advocate race held Nov. 4, 2025.
Image courtesy of the NYC Board of Elections
In his concession speech, among his “New York patriot” supporters, Cuomo, who as reported, campaigned in Bedford Park on the Sunday before Election Day, thanked former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and incumbent NYC Mayor Eric Adams for stepping out of the race to make it “more competitive.”
He said it was a very gracious thing to do. This campaign was the right fight to wage,” he said, adding that that was to “contest the philosophies that are shaping the Democratic Party,” the future of this New York City and the future of the country.
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF the NYC mayoral race held Nov. 4, 2025, broken down by borough.
Image courtesy of the NYC Board of Elections
He said his campaign transcended politics uniting Republicans, Democrats and Independents whose priority was citizenship of New York City. He said it was important to note that almost half of New York voted in opposition to what he said was an agenda that could not be met. He said New York City must remain a place of entrepreneurship, opportunity and jobs and said police were needed to keep the City safe.
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF the NYC city comptroller’s race held Nov. 4, 2025.
Image courtesy of the NYC Board of Elections
He said the campaign was also “a caution flag” indicating that the City was “heading down a dangerous road.” Congratulations to Zohran Mamdani,” he said, gesturing in efforts to tampan down some subsequent booing. “Tonight was their night,” he said, adding that his side would help in any way they could because everyone wanted New York City to work for everyone.
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF the NYC city comptroller’s race held Nov. 4, 2025, broken down by borough.
Image courtesy of the NYC Board of Elections
Locally, according to a breakdown by the Center for Urban Research at CUNY, most of Bronx Community Board 7, incorporating Norwood, Bedford Park, Kingsbridge Heights, University Heights and Fordham Manor voted for Mamdani as seen in the attached maps where Mamdani wins are denoted in blue, and Cuomo in green. Cuomo saw his strongest Bronx support in the northwest and northeast.
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF the Bronx borough president’s race held Nov. 4, 2025.
Image courtesy of the NYC Board of Elections
Mamdani famously walked the length of Manhattan to talk to voters during the course of his campaign, a symbolic gesture, perhaps, harkening back to the peaceful protest days of another famous Indian leader, Mahatma Gandhi.
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF the Bronx borough president’s race held Nov. 4, 2025, broken down by borough.
Image courtesy of the NYC Board of Elections
According to the Central European University, at the age of 60, Gandhi walked 231 miles from his ashram to Dandi in India to break the law of salt tax. “Gandhi chose salt as an instrument of civil disobedience because of its importance as a basic necessity for people across all communities and not because it had a mere symbolic value,” according to an article published by the university.
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF the District 11 City Council race held Nov. 4, 2025.
Image courtesy of the NYC Board of Elections
Norwood News spoke to some volunteers and voters gathered inside the Paramount Theater on Election Night.
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF the District 12 City Council race held Nov. 4, 2025.
Image courtesy of the NYC Board of Elections
Asked if he was surprised at how easily the result appeared to come in the end, Farhan Mohammad, said, “No, I don’t think it was an easy win at all. I think it took a lot of commitment and persistence and consistency through all of the, I think it was, 104,000 volunteers. I’m on the board of the Muslim Democratic Club of New York. I’m the treasurer so we did a lot of organizing with Zohran and his campaign, his field leads, since March.”
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF the District 13 City Council race held Nov. 4, 2025.
Image courtesy of the NYC Board of Elections
Norwood News clarified that we didn’t mean easy in terms of the campaign but just how quickly the race was called as the results came in, adding that it seemed to take some in the room by surprise. Mohammad said he was looking at the numbers around 9.15 p.m. and thought it was over by that time. Asked what Mamdani’s top three characteristics are as a leader, he said, “authenticity, compassion, and passion.”
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF the District 14 City Council race held Nov. 4, 2025.
Image courtesy of the NYC Board of Elections
Asked what was the hardest part of convincing voters to vote for Mamdani, a female volunteer, Sonia Alexander, who said she was with Jews for Economic Justice, said, “Honestly, I think most people that we spoke to were really excited to hear about someone who cares about all New Yorkers, and cares about making New York affordable for all New Yorkers. There were hard parts, absolutely. A lot of people had never heard of him, the fact that he’s young, questions about his experience. I think they were some of the things that often came up the most.”
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF the District 15 City Council race held Nov. 4, 2025.
Image courtesy of the NYC Board of Elections
Asked if after speaking with voters, the same voters were all fully on board or were reserving judgement, Alexander said, “Sometimes, yes. Often, we had long conversations with people where we really got to talk and share what we’re concerned about, hear what they were concerned about, and then introduce what we know and support about Zohran and a lot of people were then open to learning more.”
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF the District 8 City Council race held Nov. 4, 2025.
Image courtesy of the NYC Board of Elections
Asked if she had also interacted with Cuomo supporters or undecided voters, Alexander said, “Yes.” Asked what was their rationale for supporting Cuomo, she said, “Experience, Israel.” She added that she was mainly campaigning in Brooklyn but her organization campaigned throughout the City.
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF the District 16 City Council race held Nov. 4, 2025.
Image courtesy of the NYC Board of Elections
We also spoke to some young people who were from Texas but live in New York City at the event. Asked why, Steven Benejay said, “I just wanted to see what Zohran was all about,” I think he’s a great guy. He seems like he has some big plans for the city and I’m really excited for that.”
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF the District 17 City Council race held Nov. 4, 2025.
Image courtesy of the NYC Board of Elections
Asked if he thought the Mamdani movement would spread across the country, Benejay said, “Yeah, it’s been an enigma in the city, so if it can grow in New York City, it can grow anywhere.” Asked about affordability in Texas versus New York, he said, “It’s pretty affordable, I would say. You get things way bigger, way cheaper.” We asked if it was better value, and Benejay said, “Oh 100%. New York City is really expensive.”
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF the District 18 City Council race held Nov. 4, 2025.
Photo by
Asked what he paid in rent, he said, “I pay $1,735 for one room in a four-bedroom apartment.” Asked for his thoughts on the atmosphere on Election Night, Benejay concluded, “The vibe was pretty cool. Go Zohran!”
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF the District 22 City Council race held Nov. 4, 2025.
Image courtesy of the NYC Board of Elections
We also spoke to Fatima Thiam from Mott Haven in the South Bronx. “My reaction is I’m feeling victorious,” she said. “My whole neighborhood, my district feels victorious. We spent hours and a matter of cumulative days speaking with everyone in our community to know who Zohran Mamdani is and who he represents, all of us as New Yorkers.”
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF the Judge for Civil Court, District 1 Municipal Court District, Bronx. race held Nov. 4, 2025.
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Asked what were the questions voters had in terms of understanding who the mayor-elect is, Thiam said, “Well, one of the questions was like, ‘Is he too young?’ Some would say he’s too young because that was the highlight of the news. However, my answer to them was ageism doesn’t exist in this society. We live in the 21st Century. It’s about your intellect and what’s your reasoning when it comes to humanitarianism. Zohran Mamdani is a humanitarian. Everyone is, as New Yorkers and he represents the fundamental New York, especially in the world right now, out there on that stage.”
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF the Judge for Civil Court, District 2 Municipal Court District, Bronx. race held Nov. 4, 2025.
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Asked if she was an immigrant, Thiam said, “Yes, I’m from Senegal. Asked if she felt Mamdani won the immigrant vote early, Thiam said, “Of course, of course. During primaries, one of my sisters and colleague, one of the first things we did for Zohran was organize the Muslim leaders in our communities, our imams, our community organizers, and then he met with us. We had dinner together so that was the early support from our community and also just him highlighting his mission gave us the greater hope that we had someone that supports all New Yorkers for the first time ever.”
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF the Judge of the Civil Court, Bronx County race held Nov. 4, 2025.
Image courtesy of the NYC Board of Elections
Thiam continued, “That is Zohran Mamdani and hello! We all mobilized and we went to vote and today, I helped up to ten people to the voting polls without even getting paid to work at the voting polls, because I’m doing it because I’m just a New Yorker. I help them vote because they don’t know how to speak the language and I didn’t get paid.”
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF Proposal 1 voted on on Nov. 4, 2025.
Image courtesy of the NYC Board of Elections
She clarified that she wasn’t referring to registering people to vote but helping them actually vote. “They [the ten people] were there [in line] but the language they were speaking was not available on the voting card,” Thiam said, giving several West African languages, including Fulani. “It was in Spanish and English, Chinese and French, but not in our languages [only],” she said.
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF Proposal 2 voted on on Nov. 4, 2025.
Image courtesy of the NYC Board of Elections
Attached is an overview of the unofficial results in other New York City and some north Bronx races after poll closure on Election Night.
The main race to watch was of course in the East Bronx Council District 13, the sole Republican seat, where Democrat, Shirley Aldebol, executive VP at SEIU local 32BJ, beat incumbent, one-term, Republican Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato to make the Bronx blue again.
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF Proposal 3 voted on on Nov. 4, 2025.
Image courtesy of the NYC Board of Elections
Reflecting on her defeat, Marmorato said, “While the election results weren’t what we hoped for, I couldn’t be prouder of my team, my campaign, and everything we’ve accomplished together for District 13 over the past two years. I’m deeply grateful to my supporters, volunteers, staff, friends, and family who gave their time, energy, and hearts to this effort.”
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF Proposal 4 voted on on Nov. 4, 2025.
Image courtesy of the NYC Board of Elections
She continued, “We’ve built a record of service and achievement that truly made a difference for our community and that’s something we can all be proud of. I want to congratulate my opponent, and wish her success as she takes on the responsibility of serving our neighbors.”
She concluded, “As for me, I’ve spent my life fighting for this community, and that’s not about to change. Stay tuned because the best is yet to come. Thank you.”
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS of Proposal 5 voted on on Nov. 4, 2025.
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For her part, Aldebol said, “I am honored to be the councilmember-elect for the East Bronx. I want to thank every voter who supported me, and every volunteer who knocked doors, made phone calls, or handed out lit at the train station. As an organizer, I know that this is truly your victory.”
She continued, “I promise the people of the East Bronx that I will be a representative for us all, I’ll listen, and I’ll fight like hell safe streets, quality schools, affordable housing, and economic opportunity for every resident. There is much work to do, but today, I am hopeful and optimistic that brighter days are ahead for our communities.”
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS OF Proposal 6 voted on on Nov. 4, 2025.
Image courtesy of the NYC Board of Elections
Back in Brooklyn, Politico’s Jeff Coltin described the atmosphere inside the Brooklyn Paramount Theater as “lit.” Some might say (and some might not say) that that was, and is, an apt description of the mood overall following Mamdani’s win.
FORMER NEW YORK Gov. Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent mayoral candidate, holds a press conference after campaigning at DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bedford Park section of The Bronx, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.
Photo by Síle Moloney
Coincidence or not given the mayor-elect’s mother’s family are Hindu, Diwali, the 5-day Hindu festival of lights, typically celebrated in October or November in India and in other countries, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.