Trump's 'worst nightmare' in his own backyard. Zohran Mamdani wins New York mayoral race
The 34-year-old became the first Muslim mayor of NYC on a night of big wins for Democrats
Democrat Zohran Mamdani has been elected the first Muslim mayor of New York City, as the Democratic socialist stormed to victory in President Donald Trump's backyard.
Listen to this article
The 34-year-old state assemblyman beat independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa in a keenly-watched race on a night of big wins for Democrats.
Mamdani's victory has capped a meteoric rise for the candidate who was an unknown quantity when he entered the primary process last year.
Ugandan-American Mamdani was laser-focussed on the sky-high cost of living in the US's largest city, and batted away questions from opponents about his perceived lack of experience.
Democrats also won high-profile governor races in Virginia and New Jersey - with President Trump blaming the long-running government shutdown for wide-spread Republican losses.
In the wake of the blue-wave, Trump wrote on Truth Social: "'TRUMP WASN’T ON THE BALLOT, AND SHUTDOWN, WERE THE TWO REASONS THAT REPUBLICANS LOST ELECTIONS TONIGHT,' according to Pollsters".
Read More: Why the New York Mayor will drive Trump nuts
Read More: BBC 'doctored' Trump January 6 footage which 'completely misled' viewers, internal memo says
He later directed ire at Republicans in Congress, urging them to end the shutdown by striking down filibuster rules which require 60 Senators out of 100 to pass legislation.
The archaic rule is currently being utilised by Democrats to stop the Republican majority from passing their budget and reopen the government without meeting demands.
He wrote: "REPUBLICANS, TERMINATE THE FILIBUSTER! GET BACK TO PASSING LEGISLATION AND VOTER REFORM! President DJT".
In his victory speech to a rapturous crowd, Mayor-elect Mamdani said: "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'."
Addressing the entirety of the city, Mamdani said: "New York. Tonight, you have delivered a mandate for change. A mandate for a new kind of politics. A mandate for a city we can afford. And a mandate for a government that delivers exactly that."
Speaking on his opponent, the socialist said: "My friends, we have toppled a political dynasty. I wish Andrew Cuomo all the best in private life. But let tonight be the final time I utter his name."
He added: "On January 1st. I will be sworn in as the mayor of New York City. And that is because of you. We will fight for you. Because, we are you. This city is your city, and this democracy is yours too.
"Tonight we have answered in a clear voice. Hope is alive."
He took direct aim at the President in his speech, saying: "Donald Trump. Because I know you are watching. I have just four words for you: Turn the volume up.
"Hear me when I say this: to get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us."
President Trump had tried to tilt the race away from Mamdani by repeatedly threatening to withhold federal funds from the Big Apple.
The President repeatedly called Mamdani a communist on social media, and election-watchers suggested Trump's last-minute endorsement of Cuomo could see the former Governor receive votes from Republicans to deliver a victory.
While Curtis Sliwa did seem to leak votes to Cuomo following the endorsement, it did not deliver a big enough swing.
Cuomo's attempted political comeback has failed two years after he was forced to step down as New York Governor amid a slew of sexual harassment allegations.
Democratic incumbent Eric Adams, who had also run as an independent, earlier dropped out of the race and endorsed Cuomo as the anti-Mamdani candidate.
The turnout of over 2 million in New York City was the highest in a municipal since 1969.
Elsewhere, serving Congresswoman Michelle 'Mikie' Sherrill beat Trump-backed Jack Ciattarelli to become Governor of New Jersey.
And Democrat Abigail Spanberger won the governor race in Virginia, defeating incumbent Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears.
Presidential hopeful Governor Gavin Newsom of California also managed to pass a ballot measure which redraws the Congressional map of his state in what could see Democrats pick up five extra seats at the 2026 midterm elections.
The measure was proposed in response to a similar measure in Texas by Republicans.
Democrats will be hoping that the races will signal a comeback for the party nationally after it lost control of the White House, Senate and House of Representatives one year ago.