Zohran Mamdani has been elected as the new Mayor of New York, securing his victory on Tuesday. The 34-year-old defeated independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, and during his victory speech, he made a pointed remark about Donald Trump. While many praised Mamdani’s message, others expressed concern. One CNN political analyst warned that the newly elected mayor appeared to change his tone and personality on his very first day.
Mamdani won with 50.4% of the vote, according to the city’s Board of Elections. Andrew Cuomo followed with 42%.
Celebrating with supporters on Tuesday night, Mamdani — who is now the city’s first Muslim mayor — acknowledged that he isn’t the “traditional” candidate. He said, “Conventional wisdom would say I’m far from ideal. I’m young, no matter how much I try to age faster, I’m Muslim, I’m a democratic socialist. And worst of all, I refuse to apologize for any of that.”
He continued, “Tonight, New York has given a mandate for change. A mandate for a new kind of politics. A mandate for a city we can actually afford, and a government that works for us.”
Donald Trump had previously threatened to cut federal funding to New York City if Mamdani won. During his speech, Mamdani addressed him directly, adding, “Donald Trump, I know you’re watching. I have four words for you: turn the volume up.”
However, while Mamdani celebrated, CNN analyst Van Jones expressed concern over what he described as a noticeable shift in the mayor-elect’s demeanor. Speaking on election night, Jones said Mamdani seemed markedly different from how he appeared throughout the campaign.
“I think he missed an opening,” Jones said, according to the New York Post. “The Mamdani we saw on the campaign trail was calmer, warmer, more welcoming. That wasn’t the person we saw tonight.”
Jones suggested that the mayor’s tone may make some people hesitant to support him.
“There are people wondering, ‘Can I align with him? Will he be inclusive? Or will he lean into a more combative, class-warrior style even while in office?’ He had a chance tonight to broaden his coalition and didn’t take it,” Jones said.
He added that while Mamdani is young and has accomplished something impressive, this moment could impact how he moves forward in office.