Anti-Zionist Zohran Mamdani Elected Mayor of New York City
The fiercely contested New York City mayoral race concluded Tuesday night with Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani declared as the victor. The 34-year-old assemblyman from Queens secured 50.4% of the vote, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who received 41.3%. Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa trailed behind with 7.5%, according to projections made when 75% of ballots had been counted.
A Referendum on Israel and Gaza
For many New Yorkers, the election served as a referendum on Israel and the ongoing war in Gaza. Mamdani’s political career has been closely associated with his criticism of Israel and his support for Palestinian rights.
Mamdani’s Views on Israel
Mamdani has often described Israel as an apartheid state and backed the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. His outspoken views have now elevated him as the first openly anti-Zionist mayor of a city that holds the world’s largest Jewish population outside of Israel.
"Israel is an apartheid state, and standing for justice means supporting Palestinian freedom through measures like BDS."
Reactions and Political Implications
His election signals a major shift in New York’s political alignment and underscores the widening ideological split within the Democratic Party over Israel. While activists have praised Mamdani as a consistent advocate for Palestinian liberation, some Jewish leaders have condemned him for empowering rhetoric they consider antisemitic and for aligning with movements opposing Israel’s legitimacy.
Author’s summary: Mamdani’s victory as New York’s first openly anti-Zionist mayor highlights both a generational and ideological shift in urban progressive politics.