Zohran Mamdani Won the NYC Mayor Election, What Are His Policies?

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, made history by being elected Mayor of New York City on November 4, 2025.

This victory marks a remarkable rise for Mamdani, from a relatively unknown state legislator to one of the most talked-about politicians in the United States.

The election drew attention for his progressive vision, particularly his Mamdani policies, which focus on affordability.

Mamdani's victory is not only historic because of his youth, but also because of his diverse identity.

He will be the youngest mayor in over a century, the first Muslim, the first of South Asian descent, and the first mayor born in Africa.

By running against and defeating Cuomo, a former New York governor who is also the son of a governor, he has conquered a Democratic establishment that many on the left consider largely indifferent to their party and their country.

Endorsements from prominent progressive figures like US Senator Bernie Sanders and US Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez further strengthened his position.

His victory symbolized a triumph for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, bringing new hope to New Yorkers through the implementation of Mamdani policies.

Breaking News: Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old state lawmaker from Queens, will be the 111th mayor of New York. He will be the first Muslim to ever lead the city, as well as its first South Asian mayor and the youngest mayor in more than a century.https://t.co/7tewUOBm0A pic.twitter.com/1VbUePzk3J

— The New York Times (@nytimes) November 5, 2025

Zohran Mamdani, now 34, brings a unique background to the New York City mayoralty.

Born in Kampala, Uganda, he moved to New York City at the age of 7 and became a United States citizen in 2018.

Before entering politics, Mamdani dedicated himself to housing counseling, helping low-income homeowners in Queens avoid foreclosure, an experience that formed the basis of several Mamdani policies.

His political journey began in the New York State Assembly, representing the 36th district of Astoria in Queens since 2021.

He won the State Assembly general election in November 2020, defeating five-term incumbent Aravella Simotas in the Democratic primary.

Mamdani was subsequently re-elected unopposed in 2022 and 2024, demonstrating the strong support of his constituents for his vision and Mamdani policies.

In the mayoral election, Mamdani faced stiff competition, including former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.

His victory on behalf of progressives signaled a significant shift in New York's political landscape.

Meanwhile, Mamdani must begin work after making significant commitments regarding housing, transportation, and childcare, and the question now is whether he can deliver.

In a city that prides itself, among other things, on its fast pace, how patient will New Yorkers be when Mamdani takes office?

NEW: NYC Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani challenges President Trump in his victory speech:“New York will remain a city of immigrants, a city built by immigrants, powered by immigrants. And as of tonight, led by an immigrant.”“So hear me, President Trump, when I say this: To get… pic.twitter.com/L0tOS5Ddnr

— Fox News (@FoxNews) November 5, 2025

Zohran Mamdani's policy platform focused heavily on improving the affordability of living in New York City and addressing economic inequality.

One of his key promises was a rent freeze for approximately one million rent-regulated apartments, a move that would ease the financial burden on many residents.

Additionally, he planned to build 200,000 new affordable housing units as part of his Mamdani housing policies.

To lower food prices, Mamdani proposed that the city operate five grocery stores—one in each borough.

This was part of a broader effort to ensure that basic necessities were accessible to all.

On the labor front, he supports increasing the minimum wage to $30 per hour by 2030, as well as proposing regulation of delivery apps and protections for delivery workers as part of his pro-worker Mamdani policies.

Funding for these ambitious Mamdani policies will come from tax increases.

Mamdani plans to raise the corporate tax rate to 11.5%, which is estimated to generate $5 billion for the city.

Individuals earning more than $1 million per year will also be subject to a 2% surtax.

Beyond the economy, Zohran Mamdani also has a comprehensive vision for transportation, education, and social justice.

Within transportation, he promises to provide free city bus service, a move that would reduce travel costs and increase accessibility for millions of citizens.

As a member of the State Assembly, he previously introduced the "Fix the MTA Act" in 2022, which led to a pilot program eliminating fare fees on several bus lines, in line with Mamdani's transportation policies.

In the areas of education and childcare, Mamdani's policies include expanding free childcare to all children ages six weeks to five years.

He also proposed a bassinet program for newborns in New York and supported the "Green Schools For A Healthier NY" initiative to create better learning environments.

Mamdani also pledged to pursue criminal justice reform and supported the creation of a Department of Community Safety.