Mamdani tells New Yorkers they have 'toppled political dynasty' as he ends Cuomo era

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Zohran Mamdani delivered a fiery victory speech on Tuesday, November 4, after winning the 2025 New York City mayoral race by defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in a historic and closely watched contest.

Mamdani's win marks a major milestone for the city’s progressive movement, as the self-described democratic socialist became the first person of South Asian descent to hold the office.

Zohran Mamdani tells New Yorkers they dared to reach for something greater

Zohran Mamdani began his victory speech, saying, "The sun may have set over our city this evening, but as Eugene Debs once said, 'I can see the dawn of a better day for humanity.'"

"For as long as we can remember, the working people of New York have been told by the wealthy and well-connected that power does not belong in their hands—fingers bruised from lifting boxes on the warehouse floor, palms calloused from delivery bike handlebars, knuckles scarred from kitchen burns," Mamdani said. 

"These are not hands that have been allowed to hold power. And yet, over the last 12 months, you have dared to reach for something greater. Tonight, against all odds, we have grasped it," he added.

The democratic socialist celebrated his victory over Andrew Cuomo, the three-term former Governor and son of a Governor.

"We have toppled a political dynasty. I wish Andrew Cuomo only the best in private life. But let tonight be the final time I utter his name as we turn the page," Mamdani said.

Andrew Cuomo gives atypical concession speech

During his concession speech, Andrew Cuomo attempted to frame his second-place finish as a success, telling the crowd, "This campaign was to contest the philosophies shaping the Democratic Party, the future of this city, and the future of this country."

He noted that more than 50 percent of New Yorkers had not supported Mamdani's agenda, and claimed that his own campaign, which at times faced criticism for Islamophobia, was centered on "unity." 

Cuomo then referenced misinterpretations of Mamdani’s political positions and cautioned, "We are headed down a dangerous, dangerous road."

He added, "We will not make the NYPD the enemy. We will not tolerate any behavior that fans the flames of antisemitism," reiterating a familiar theme from his campaign.

Cuomo concluded, "Tonight was their night, and as they start to transition to government, we will all help any way we can. This campaign was the right fight to wage, and I am proud of what we did."