Politics

Mamdani Is the Foil Trump Wants

Prepare to hear a lot about New York’s new mayor.

First published in The Atlantic on November 4, 2025.

by Jonathan Lemire, The Atlantic

November 6, 2025 | reading time: 8 Min.

Zohran Mamdani will be the unlikeliest mayor in New York City history. A 34-year-old backbench state assemblyman and self-proclaimed democratic socialist, Mamdani ran on the promise of affordability and was declared the winner not long after polls closed tonight. On his path to victory, he thrilled young voters in a way that few Democrats have in years. But perhaps no one was more delighted by his election than President Donald Trump.