By: Krug Stillo

New York City’s political landscape in 2025 was shaped by nonstop turbulence, dramatic reversals, and one of the most unexpected mayoral victories in modern city history. From City Hall to Washington, officials at every level helped drive a relentless news cycle that culminated in the stunning election of Zohran Mamdani as the city’s next mayor, amNY pointed out.

Mamdani, a Queens assembly member first elected in 2020, defied expectations by winning the mayor’s race against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Few observers predicted the 34-year-old democratic socialist would prevail when the year began, especially with Mayor Eric Adams still in office and Cuomo looming as a potential comeback candidate, according to amNY.

The contest took shape early after Adams became engulfed in controversy. A crowded Democratic field emerged, but Adams ultimately declined to run in the primary, opting instead for an independent reelection bid that never gained traction. For months, Cuomo—who resigned as governor in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations he denies—dominated Democratic polling before officially entering the race in March.

Once Cuomo jumped in, Mamdani and other challengers aggressively targeted his past, hammering him over the harassment accusations and his handling of nursing home deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, amNY reported. Mamdani’s campaign gained momentum with a laser focus on affordability, promising a rent freeze for stabilized apartments, fare-free buses, and city-run grocery stores to combat rising food prices. His unconventional social media strategy helped him surge as the primary approached.

Cuomo countered by portraying Mamdani as a radical socialist and attacked his positions on Israel, including past statements supporting Palestinians during the Gaza war. Mamdani distanced himself from extreme rhetoric but declined to affirm Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state and publicly said he would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visited New York, drawing national attention, amNY noted.

The June Democratic primary shocked political insiders. Mamdani defeated Cuomo decisively, earning the highest Democratic primary vote total since David Dinkins in 1989. Cuomo refused to exit, launching an independent bid in hopes of assembling a coalition of moderates, independents, and Republicans.

The race shifted again in September when Adams ended his reelection campaign and later endorsed Cuomo. Still, efforts to convince Sliwa to drop out failed, even after former President Donald Trump issued a late endorsement of Cuomo—support Cuomo publicly rejected.

On Nov. 4, Mamdani delivered a landslide, winning roughly 51% of the vote and defeating Cuomo by 10 points in a race that drew more than 2 million voters—the highest turnout in over half a century, amNY pointed out. Mamdani will become New York City’s first Muslim mayor when he takes office Jan. 1.

Beyond the mayor’s race, 2025 brought other major developments. Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine won the comptroller’s office, while State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal succeeded Levine.