New York elects Muslim mayor – Mamdani sends clear message to President Trump

The Democrats have won a clear victory in the first major elections since Donald Trump's return to the White House. In New York, 34-year-old Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani was elected mayor. He defeated Andrew Cuomo to become the first Muslim to lead the city.

Mamdani ran his campaign focusing on affordable housing, public transportation, and tax reform. Voter turnout in New York reached its highest level since 1969.

"If there is anyone who can show this country, betrayed by Donald Trump, how to defeat him, it is the city that made his rise possible in the first place. And if there is one way to scare a despot, it is by removing the conditions that gave him power. So, Donald Trump—I know you're watching—I have two words for you: Turn up the volume," Mamdani said in his victory speech.

California also brought the Democrats an important victory on Tuesday: voters there approved a plan to redraw congressional districts in favor of the party. This widens the nationwide dispute over the redrawing of electoral districts, which is likely to be decisive for the majority in the US House of Representatives.

In Virginia and New Jersey, Democrats Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill also won. These successes give the Democratic Party hope for mobilizing its voter base ahead of the 2026 congressional elections.

(reuters, max)