"Winning feels good": New Yorkers erupt in joy as Zohran Mamdani wins mayoral election with record-breaking turnout.
Inside a Brooklyn Masonic Temple, where supporters of Democratic Socialists of America had gathered to watch the election results, the air was electric with anticipation. The din of pet-nat wines being cracked open could be heard amidst nervous chatter and anxious whispers about the future. Someone jumped on stage just after 9:30 pm, announcing that news outlets had called it – Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, had won the mayoral election with a record number of New Yorkers casting ballots.
The DJ immediately switched to "I Gotta Feeling" by Black Eyed Peas, and the crowd erupted into cheers, hugs, and even twerking. The room was filled with an overwhelming sense of joy and relief, as if a weight had been lifted off their shoulders. For some, it was a moment of vindication – a testament to their years of advocacy for progressive policies.
"I've been waiting for this," said Will, a 40-year-old health department worker who has been a member of the Democratic Socialists of America for over 10 years. "This shows that our politics are not radical; people actually think what we believe is sensible."
As the night wore on and the results were announced across the five boroughs, New Yorkers took to the streets, dancing in celebration and waving their hands with pride. Ellie, a 28-year-old bartender from Bed-Stuy, was overjoyed, saying, "This is the first time I've had hope in so long. It gives me a lot of hope for our future."
The mood was jubilant, but it was also bittersweet – a sense of nostalgia and loss that came with the realization that this moment would forever change the city's landscape. As Zohran Mamdani's speech played on repeat, it felt like a culmination of years of struggle, of working tirelessly for a better tomorrow.
At the heart of it all was a young man who had promised to bring about change – to tackle issues of affordability, housing, and healthcare in a city that has long been plagued by these problems. For many, Mamdani's victory marked a turning point – an opportunity to reimagine a brighter future for New York City.
The crowd outside the Brooklyn Masonic Temple cheered, waved flags, and even chanted "DSA! DSA!" as they waited for the new mayor to speak. Kareem, a representative from the Democratic Socialists of America, took the stage to acknowledge Mamdani's meteoric rise and the years of work that had led to this moment.
In Astoria, hijabi girls wearing keffiyehs rushed to watch parties, their excitement palpable as they celebrated with friends and family. At a Yemeni cafe in Queens, patrons gathered around loudspeakers, cheering as news outlets announced Mamdani's victory. For many, this was more than just an election – it was a moment of triumph for the Muslim community.
As midnight approached, New Yorkers looked ahead to a new chapter, one that would require patience and perseverance. Paul Aljoon, 62, who had canvassed for Mamdani since the primaries, said with a smile, "Let him settle in office... Let him get his team together."
For Daniel Dale, a 23-year-old actor from Bed-Stuy, this was an emotional night – one that marked the first time he felt like he belonged. As many others across the city, he had been drawn to Mamdani's message, which spoke of simple, yet profound changes.
As Zohran Mamdani took his first steps as the new mayor of New York City, it was clear that this victory was not just a triumph for one individual – but for an entire community. It was a testament to the power of grassroots organizing and the resilience of the human spirit.
Inside a Brooklyn Masonic Temple, where supporters of Democratic Socialists of America had gathered to watch the election results, the air was electric with anticipation. The din of pet-nat wines being cracked open could be heard amidst nervous chatter and anxious whispers about the future. Someone jumped on stage just after 9:30 pm, announcing that news outlets had called it – Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, had won the mayoral election with a record number of New Yorkers casting ballots.
The DJ immediately switched to "I Gotta Feeling" by Black Eyed Peas, and the crowd erupted into cheers, hugs, and even twerking. The room was filled with an overwhelming sense of joy and relief, as if a weight had been lifted off their shoulders. For some, it was a moment of vindication – a testament to their years of advocacy for progressive policies.
"I've been waiting for this," said Will, a 40-year-old health department worker who has been a member of the Democratic Socialists of America for over 10 years. "This shows that our politics are not radical; people actually think what we believe is sensible."
As the night wore on and the results were announced across the five boroughs, New Yorkers took to the streets, dancing in celebration and waving their hands with pride. Ellie, a 28-year-old bartender from Bed-Stuy, was overjoyed, saying, "This is the first time I've had hope in so long. It gives me a lot of hope for our future."
The mood was jubilant, but it was also bittersweet – a sense of nostalgia and loss that came with the realization that this moment would forever change the city's landscape. As Zohran Mamdani's speech played on repeat, it felt like a culmination of years of struggle, of working tirelessly for a better tomorrow.
At the heart of it all was a young man who had promised to bring about change – to tackle issues of affordability, housing, and healthcare in a city that has long been plagued by these problems. For many, Mamdani's victory marked a turning point – an opportunity to reimagine a brighter future for New York City.
The crowd outside the Brooklyn Masonic Temple cheered, waved flags, and even chanted "DSA! DSA!" as they waited for the new mayor to speak. Kareem, a representative from the Democratic Socialists of America, took the stage to acknowledge Mamdani's meteoric rise and the years of work that had led to this moment.
In Astoria, hijabi girls wearing keffiyehs rushed to watch parties, their excitement palpable as they celebrated with friends and family. At a Yemeni cafe in Queens, patrons gathered around loudspeakers, cheering as news outlets announced Mamdani's victory. For many, this was more than just an election – it was a moment of triumph for the Muslim community.
As midnight approached, New Yorkers looked ahead to a new chapter, one that would require patience and perseverance. Paul Aljoon, 62, who had canvassed for Mamdani since the primaries, said with a smile, "Let him settle in office... Let him get his team together."
For Daniel Dale, a 23-year-old actor from Bed-Stuy, this was an emotional night – one that marked the first time he felt like he belonged. As many others across the city, he had been drawn to Mamdani's message, which spoke of simple, yet profound changes.
As Zohran Mamdani took his first steps as the new mayor of New York City, it was clear that this victory was not just a triumph for one individual – but for an entire community. It was a testament to the power of grassroots organizing and the resilience of the human spirit.