In an incredibly close race, Zohran Mamdani won the November 4th election for New York City mayor. He defeated Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa, coming in first by just under 200,000 votes. Mamdani’s win is already being called revolutionary, and it is evidence that democracy’s power is still very much alive. New Yorkers are ready for change, and Mamdani’s winning speech effortlessly — and ruthlessly — paved the way.
“For this is not my victory, this is ours. It is the victory of the Bangladeshi auntie who knocked on door after door until her feet throbbed and her knuckles ached. It is the victory of the 18-year-old who voted in their first-ever election, and it is the victory of the Gambian uncle who finally saw himself and his struggle in a campaign for the city that he calls home,” Mamdani said. “Dreaming demands solidarity, and when I look out at this room and out onto the midnight skyline, that is what I see.“
He gave credit to tireless canvassers, those who spoke with their families, and strangers who “care about those they will never meet.” As he went on, he described New York City in a way only New Yorkers are familiar with, explaining that the work truly never ends. “Each of these New Yorkers carried a dream with them that night as they labored just as each of us dreams of a New York that is more hopeful and affordable for all, and we have worked hard for our dream,” Mamdani said.
As many watched with tears in their eyes, Mamdani continued to reassure those watching. “I will fight for a city that works for you, that is affordable for you, that is safe for you. I will work to be a mayor you will be proud to call your own. I cannot promise that you will always agree with me, but I will never hide from you,” he said. “If you are hurting, I will try to heal. If you feel misunderstood, I will strive to understand. Your concerns will always be mine, and I will put your hopes before my own.“
Mamdani also affirmed that it is difficult to believe in a democracy that has failed the American people. “After so many disappointments, the heart hardens. Belief becomes elusive. And when we no longer believe in our democracy, it only becomes easier for people like Donald Trump to convince us of his worth,” he said. However, this was not the only time Mamdani referenced the president. As the good news of his win rolled in, the new mayor addressed Trump personally in his victory speech.
“Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you,” he said. “Turn the volume up!” As the crowd cheered, Mamdani continued. “If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him,” Mamdani said, his voice never wavering. “And if there is any way to terrify a despot, it is by dismantling the very conditions that allowed him to accumulate power. This is not only how we stop Trump, it’s how we stop the next one.”
He had one final message, and it’s one in which New Yorkers are putting all their faith: “So hear me, President Trump, when I say this: To get to any of us, you will have to go through all of us.”
