American Democrats, one step away from winning the mayor's office of New York City. The first major election of Trump's second term

The Democratic Party registers the first major electoral successes of President Donald Trump's second term, according to CNN projections. Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old politician born in Uganda to a family of Indian origin, is tipped to win the race for mayor of New York City — a historic victory for the progressive wing of the Democrats.

PHOTO: EPA-EFE

Mamdani, a member of the democratic socialist wing of the Democratic Party and an outspoken critic of Donald Trump, won after an intense campaign focused on working-class issues. The CNN Decision Desk predicts that he will beat former governor Andrew Cuomo, whom he also beat in the June primary. Republican Curtis Sliwa stayed in the race until the end, despite pressure from Cuomo's allies who called for a united front against the progressive candidate.

A campaign born of anonymity

Mamdani's candidacy started almost unknown, but his message centered on accessibility, social justice and combating economic inequalities quickly attracted the support of young voters and urban communities. His victory confirms the rise of a new generation of progressive politicians within the Democratic Party, in a period of internal tension between the moderate and the radical wing.

Donald Trump, a native of New York, frequently attacked Mamdani during the campaign, labeling him as “communist” and claiming that he would “take control of the city” if elected.

New York's first Muslim mayor

Once the victory is confirmed, Zohran Mamdani will go down in history as the first Muslim mayor of New York City, the first South Asian elected to this position and one of the youngest municipal leaders of the modern era. His program includes a rent freeze for rent-stabilized apartments, free public bus transportation and expanding access to child care by raising taxes on high-income earners.

“We have shown that New York can be a city for everyone, not just the privileged few,” Mamdani said in his election night speech, promising that his administration would “put the people before the interests of big corporations.”

Record turnout

The Election Commission announced that more than two million people voted in New York's election — the largest turnout since 1969. Those in line when the polls closed at 9:00 p.m. (local time) were encouraged to stay to cast their ballots.

At the same time, President Donald Trump threatened again that he could withdraw federal funds intended for New York City if Mamdani wins. Close advisers to the Republican leader argue that the warning should be taken seriously, recalling that Trump has previously used federal funding as a tool to pressure local authorities.

Wave of Democratic victories in the US

Mamdani's victory is part of a wider wave of successes for the Democratic Party. In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger is projected to win the race for governor after defeating Republican Glenn Youngkin. In his speech in Richmond, Spanberger thanked the voters and said that “Virginia chose pragmatism over partisanship.”

In the state of New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill is given as the winner in front of Republican Jack Ciattarelli, a close friend of Donald Trump. She thus becomes the first female Democratic governor in the state's history.

In Detroit, Mary Sheffield will become the first woman elected mayor of Michigan's largest city. The 38-year-old Sheffield has promised investments in infrastructure, education and programs to prevent gun violence, continuing the economic recovery that began in the last decade.

A new beginning for the Democrats

The results in New York, Virginia, New Jersey and Michigan are seen as the first major electoral tests of the Trump administration in its second term. As Republicans try to strengthen their position at the federal level, the victory of progressive candidates suggests that Democrats can regain their political energy in the big urban centers.

“These results send a clear message: Americans want pragmatic leadership, not division,” a Democratic aide told CNN.