Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old state assemblyman from Queens and a democratic socialist, was elected the 111th mayor of New York City on Nov. 4, according to The New York Times. His win makes him the city’s first Muslim and first South Asian mayor, as well as its youngest in more than a century.

Mamdani’s campaign focused on affordability and public services, promising free buses, a rent freeze for rent-stabilized apartments and universal child care. He defeated former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who ran as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa.

According to CNN, Mamdani's proposals to expand dedicated bus lanes to speed up bus traffic and for free bus rides  would be financed by raising New York state’s corporate tax rate as well as income taxes on New Yorkers who earn over $1 million annually.

He would also like to establish five government-subsidized grocery stores, with a store located in each New York City borough. 

Characterizing his proposal as a “public option for produce,” Mamdani has said that these government stores would address rising food costs by utilizing city land for the stores, purchasing food at wholesale prices while not charging owners property taxes.

The New York Times added that Mamdani built his campaign on small donations and strong support from young voters, immigrants, and working-class neighborhoods. Turnout reached its highest level for a mayoral race since 1969, with more than two million votes cast. 

The election represents a shift toward progressive politics in the city, though Mamdani faces some challenges ahead. He will take office on Jan. 1 and must manage a $115 billion budget, repair strained relationships with business leaders, and navigate tensions with President Donald Trump, who has said he would limit federal funding for the city, The New York Times explained.