Celebrity Reactions Pour in As Zohran Mamdani Wins NYC Mayoral Race

A Surprising Upset

In a remarkable political twist, Zohran Mamdani, a state legislator and self-identified Democratic socialist, has clinched the position of New York City mayor, defeating notable former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. The Associated Press reports that Mamdani is set to take office with just over 50 percent of the vote. His victory could reposition the city as a bastion for political left-leaning ideologies as he becomes one of the nation’s prominent socialist figures.

Criticism Emerges

Despite his groundbreaking victory, Mamdani has not won over everyone. A few of Mamdani’s policies, such as introducing city-run grocery stores and free bus services, have drawn skepticism for their feasibility. Furthermore, his standpoints, including previous commentary on Israel, have attracted criticism from both Democratic and Republican quarters.

Celebrity Reactions: Controversy and Support

High-profile opinions came pouring in quickly following Mamdani’s victory. Rapper 50 Cent shared a dramatic Instagram post featuring a tombstone captioned, “RIP NYC,” implying a pessimistic view of the city’s future. Joining him in disapproval is Jackie Goldschneider of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey,” who criticized Mamdani’s lack of experience and his stance on police defunding.

Yet not all reactions were negative. Actress Lupita Nyong’o celebrated the win with a supportive Instagram story featuring a subway-inspired meme. Bowen Yang and actress Cynthia Nixon, the latter actively involved in progressive politics, also welcomed the new mayor’s leadership, expressing optimism in their posts.

Dialogue and Reflection

Celebrities such as businessman Bill Ackman and former Representative George Santos presented a more nuanced take. While Ackman congratulated Mamdani, he extended an offer for support, emphasizing the responsibility now resting on the mayor-elect’s shoulders. Conversely, George Santos openly stated his disappointment in a video message following the election results.

Moving Forward

Mamdani’s victory speech highlighted his vision, “New York, tonight you have delivered. A mandate for change. A mandate for a city we can afford.” Acknowledging the shift in political philosophies, Cuomo admitted, “This campaign was the right fight to wage… a coalition transcended normal partisan politics.” Mamdani is set to embark on his new journey as the city’s mayor in January 2026, promising a fresh chapter for New York City’s governance.

According to Newsweek, as the city braces for progressive reforms under Mamdani’s administration, the world will be watching closely in anticipation of the changes to come.