New York City S Mayoral Race And Its Message To Trump Cnn

Bonisiwe Shabane

-Dec 27, 2025, 3:58 PM

new york city s mayoral race and its message to trump cnn

Giovanni Lanzo is “still tossed up” about the mayor’s race – that’s Brooklyn for undecided. But he understands the stakes. “The whole world watches what New York does,” Lanzo said. “Let’s do it right.” New York is America’s largest and most diverse city, and a global financial and cultural powerhouse. So picking a new mayor is always a big deal.

But it is even bigger this time. Because of the moment and the issues front and center right now in American politics; because of the candidates; and because of the high interest in the race shown by New York real estate... It’s a big deal no matter who wins. A historic deal if the frontrunner does. Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old democratic socialist whose focus on working-class issues and personal magnetism attracted a diverse coalition of supporters to propel a once-underdog campaign, has won New York City’s general election race for... Mamdani beat former New York Gov.

Andrew Cuomo for a second time, shattering the political scion’s hopes of a comeback after his loss to Mamdani in the June Democratic primary. Also running in the general election was Republican Curtis Sliwa, who refused to end his campaign despite pressure from Cuomo and his supporters. Coming out to cheers at his election night event in Brooklyn, Mamdani told his supporters they have ushered in a “new age” of politics in the city. “For as long as we can remember, the working people of New York have been told by the wealthy and the well connected that power does not belong in their hands, fingers bruised from... “Palms calloused from delivery by candle bars. Knuckles scarred with kitchen burns.

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,” Mamdani said. “Tonight, against all odds, we have grasped it.” The New York City mayoral race is generating significant attention, particularly due to its implications for national politics and its candidates, including the polarizing Zohran Mamdani. As a democratic socialist and immigrant, Mamdani represents a stark contrast to former Governor Andrew Cuomo and the Republican Curtis Sliwa. The election is marked by a diverse electorate, with some voters expressing hope for change while others remain skeptical about Mamdani's policies and experience.

The outcome could signal broader trends in American politics, particularly regarding the influence of younger, progressive voices versus established figures. As the election approaches, undecided voters like Giovanni Lanzo illustrate the complexities and stakes involved. Zohran Mamdani, at 34, is a democratic socialist and immigrant who has gained traction in Brooklyn, winning the primary convincingly. His campaign focuses on issues like wealth inequality and police reform, appealing to younger voters who seek new ideas. Andrew Cuomo, previously embroiled in sexual harassment allegations, is running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary. His experience as governor is a key consideration for many voters, particularly those concerned about public safety and economic stability.

The Bronx, home to a majority Hispanic population, has the lowest median income among the boroughs. Local voters express mixed feelings, with some supporting Cuomo for his experience while others worry about the economic implications of Mamdani's proposals. Staten Island voters, predominantly conservative and Trump supporters, find themselves conflicted over their choices, with many viewing Mamdani as inexperienced and a threat to public safety. This reflects a broader struggle among Republicans in the city. • Big wins for Democrats: Zohran Mamdani will win New York City’s mayoral race, CNN projects, while Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill will win their respective gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey. Californians also voted to approve Democrats’ redistricting push.

• Test for Trump: The elections were seen as the first major electoral tests of Donald Trump’s second presidency. Speaking earlier today, he said, “I don’t think it was good for Republicans.” Yesterday, the president blamed the results on the government shutdown, now officially the longest in history, and his absence from the... • Historic firsts: Mamdani will be New York City’s first Muslim mayor and the first South Asian to hold the office. Spanberger will become Virginia’s first female governor and Sherrill will become New Jersey’s first female Democratic governor. Democrat Ghazala Hashmi, projected to be Virginia’s lieutenant governor, will become the first Muslim woman elected statewide. Our live coverage has ended.

You can read more about the results of Tuesday’s elections here. New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill said she believes she is entering office with a mandate from voters after a strong election win last night. Zohran Mamdani has defeated former New York governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa to be elected the next Mayor of New York City. "Tonight you have delivered a mandate for change, a mandate for a new kind of politics," Mamdani told supporters during his acceptance speech on Tuesday evening. "We have toppled a political dynasty. I wish Andrew Cuomo only the best in private life.

But let tonight be the final time I speak his name," he added, to loud cheers from the crowd. The 34-year-old democratic socialist also took aim at Donald Trump during his speech, telling the president, "since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up!" New York wasn't the only state hosting a critical election on Tuesday, with three other closely-watched races across the country, including the Virginia gubernatorial election, the New Jersey gubernatorial election, and the vote on... Democrats pulled off a clean sweep in all four, delivering the first resounding victory for the party since it lost at the general election. Sen. Chuck Schumer, Minority Leader of the United States Senate, has touted his "very good conversation" with New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.

Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani looks at the menu inside of Kreyol Flavor in the East Flatbush neighborhood of the Brooklyn, New York, as he takes a tour of the neighborhood on October 25. (CNN) — Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old democratic socialist whose focus on working-class issues and personal magnetism attracted a diverse coalition of volunteers and supporters to propel a once-underdog campaign, will win New York City’s... Mamdani beat former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo for a second time, shattering the political scion’s hopes of a comeback after his loss to Mamdani in the June Democratic primary. Also running in the general election was Republican Curtis Sliwa, who refused to end his campaign despite pressure from Cuomo and his supporters. Coming out to cheers at his election night event in Brooklyn, Mamdani told his supporters they have ushered in a “new age” of politics in the city.

“For as long as we can remember, the working people of New York have been told by the wealthy and the well connected that power does not belong in their hands, fingers bruised from... President Donald Trump and his allies are eager to quickly consolidate the mayoral field in New York City from three major candidates running against Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani to a one-on-one fight. That effort, which spilled into public view last week, marks the latest episode in which the president has sought increased control and influence over the affairs of major U.S. cities — including Chicago and Washington, D.C. But if the past week is any indication, it won’t come easily. The New York Times and other outlets reported that close Trump advisers have contemplated how to get both New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Republican Curtis Sliwa to abandon their bids, including by...

For Adams, opportunities under consideration included jobs at the Department of Housing and Urban Development as well as ambassador to Saudi Arabia, while a specific post for Sliwa was not made clear, according to... NBC News has not independently confirmed the effort. Ahead of a Thursday dinner with tech executives, Trump told reporters that Mamdani, a state assemblyman who rose to prominence as an outer-borough socialist, was more likely to win in November if the field... In an exclusive interview with The Nation, the mayor-elect goes behind the scenes of his meeting with the president and talks about some of his political heroes. Zohran Mamdani won’t become New York City’s mayor until January 1, but there is already immense pressure on him to achieve great things. Yet the 34-year-old democratic socialist, who will be the city’s youngest mayor since Hugh John Grant served in the late 19th century, shows few signs of being overwhelmed.

In fact, in a new conversation with The Nation, Mamdani spoke of his determination to make bold and unexpected moves both to protect New Yorkers from economic and political threats and to directly improve... The boldness of Mamdani’s postelection approach has extended to talking with ideological opposites—as he did in his high-profile November meeting with Donald Trump at the White House, and in a less widely reported follow-up... Trump’s respectful response to the outreach from the incoming mayor who, just weeks before the two met, had referred to the president as “a despot,” shocked pundits and politicians—including a good many Republican candidates... Mamdani told me that he went into the White House meeting with a clear understanding of the differences he has with Trump, whom he decried throughout much of the 2025 campaign as “a fascist”... The mayor-elect knew that a long string of political figures from the US and around the world had been dressed down, embarrassed, and attacked by the president during White House meetings. He also knew that, while he would be civil to Trump, he would not disavow his deeply held progressive beliefs, nor minimize their fundamental ideological differences.

New York City S Mayoral Race And Its Message To Trump Cnn

People Also Search

Giovanni Lanzo Is “still Tossed Up” About The Mayor’s Race

But It Is Even Bigger This Time. Because Of The

Andrew Cuomo For A Second Time, Shattering The Political Scion’s

These Are Not Hands That Have Been Allowed To Hold

The Outcome Could Signal Broader Trends In American Politics, Particularly