Democrat Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, has won New York’s mayoral race, defeating former Gov. Andrew Cuomo by about nine points, according to NBC News projections.

His campaign energized progressives nationwide while drawing backlash from President Donald Trump, Republicans, and moderate Democrats.

In his victory speech, Mamdani declared that New York would “be the light” in a time of political darkness and vowed to fight oligarchy and authoritarianism.

The former state assemblyman’s meteoric rise from obscurity to the mayor’s office marks a new chapter for New York politics, NBC News has reported.

As mayor, Mamdani plans to pursue ambitious reforms, including rent freezes, universal child care, free buses, and city-run grocery stores.