Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani used part of his first speech after his win in the New York City mayoral race to take a pointed shot at Republican President Donald Trump.
Mamdani said, “So Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up!”
His crowd of supporters gathered in Brooklyn roared in applause.
Why It Matters
New York City is Trump’s hometown, but he remains deeply unpopular in the Democratic stronghold. His frequent warnings that the city would fall into ruin if Mamdani, 34, were elected mayor may have tightened the race slightly. But Trump’s last-minute endorsement of independent candidate and former Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo — who resigned four years ago amid scandal — didn’t pay off for the president.
What To Know
More than 2 million New Yorkers voted in the race — the highest turnout for a mayoral contest in more than 50 years, according to the city’s Board of Elections. With about 90% of ballots counted, Mamdani led Cuomo by roughly 9 percentage points.
Mamdani added, “New York will remain a city of immigrants, a city built by immigrants, powered by immigrants and as of tonight, led by an immigrant.”
Mamdani’s unlikely rise bolsters Democrats who argue the party should embrace progressive candidates rather than centrists to win back disillusioned voters.
He has already drawn attacks from national Republicans, including Trump, who have branded him the face of what they call a radical Democratic Party. Trump has repeatedly threatened to cut off federal funding to New York City — and even take control of it — if Mamdani won.
The Trump administration recently blocked billions of dollars in funding for New York City infrastructure projects. Last month, White House budget director Russell Vought said the administration was pausing about $18 billion in funding for the Hudson Tunnel Project and the Second Ave Subway to “ensure funding is not flowing based on unconstitutional DEI [diversity, equity, and inclusion] principles.”
New York’s next mayor is already emerging as a centerpiece of Republican messaging in the fight for control of the U.S. House in 2026, according to the party’s campaign arm.
“The Democrat Party has surrendered to radical socialist Zohran Mamdani and the far-left mob now running the show,” said Mike Marinella, spokesperson for the National Republican Campaign Committee.
In a memo released Tuesday titled “One Year Out,” the committee detailed plans to link Democratic candidates across the country to Mamdani ahead of the midterm elections.
“Every House Democrat is foolishly complicit in their party’s collapse, and voters will make them pay in 2026,” Marinella said.
What People Are Saying
Mamdani continued in his remarks directly to Trump, “To get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us.”
Speaking during a 60 Minutes interview that aired Sunday, Trump called Mamdani a “communist,” adding that “it’s gonna be hard for me as the president to give a lot of money to New York.”: “Because if you have a communist running New York, all you’re doing is wasting the money you’re sending there.”
What Happens Next
Mamdani will be sworn in as New York City’s mayor in January 2026.
Updates: 11/5/25, 12:22 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
