The energy in downtown Brooklyn was electric as Zohran Mamdani’s supporters filled the streets, celebrating a night that marked a new chapter in New York City’s political history.
The 34-year-old socialist’s triumph as the city’s next mayor sparked a massive celebration that blended political enthusiasm with celebrity glamour.
A Festive Start to a Historic Evening
The celebration kicked off at the Brooklyn Paramount Theatre, where supporters—many proudly dressed in colorful cultural attire—gathered to await the results.
As victory became clear, the crowd erupted in joy before moving to the Someday Bar, a lively gay bar serving $16 cocktails.
The mood there was euphoric, with chants, hugs, and cheers echoing well into the night.
Mamdani’s face adorned T-shirts and posters as supporters toasted to what they called “a people’s victory.”
Celebrities Join the Festivities
The event drew an eclectic mix of celebrities, influencers, and politicians.
Familiar faces such as Saturday Night Live stars Bowen Yang and Sarah Sherman, Sex and the City actress Cynthia Nixon, singers Lorde and Maggie Rogers, and Ella Emhoff—the stepdaughter of former Vice President Kamala Harris—were spotted in the crowd.
Actor Kal Penn shared smiling selfies with Mamdani, comedians Hasan Minhaj and Aasif Mandvi, captioning his Instagram post: “That’s my mayor!”
Democratic Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez also made an appearance, greeting guests and hugging influencer Hasan Piker, whose fiery comments later drew attention.
Hasan Piker’s Controversial Remarks
During his speech at the victory party, Piker praised Mamdani’s win as “a turning point for America” but stirred controversy when he remarked that the U.S. had “defeated the Soviet Union, unfortunately.”
His statement drew mixed reactions from the crowd, though most remained focused on the night’s symbolic victory for progressive politics.
A Defiant Speech to the City
When Mamdani finally took the stage close to midnight, the cheers reached a crescendo. Standing before a sea of waving flags and camera flashes, he declared, “This is a new era of leadership.”
His voice carried conviction as he told his supporters that their victory over former Governor Andrew Cuomo was proof that New Yorkers were ready for change.
“You showed that when politics speaks to you without condescension, we can usher in a new era of leadership,” he said passionately.
“For as long as we can remember, working people have been told that power doesn’t belong to them. But tonight, we took it back.”
His words were met with thunderous applause as he became New York City’s first Muslim mayor—and its youngest since 1892.
A Message to the White House
Mamdani didn’t shy away from addressing national politics.
Directing his remarks toward the White House, he called out Donald Trump, saying, “Since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: Turn the volume up!”
He continued with fiery determination: “If any city can show the nation how to stop Donald Trump, it’s the one that gave rise to him.
The way to defeat a despot is to dismantle the very conditions that allowed him to gain power.”
Criticism Follows the Victory Speech
Not everyone was impressed with Mamdani’s rhetoric.
CNN political commentator Van Jones criticized the tone of the speech, calling it a “missed opportunity” to inspire unity and hope.
“The Mamdani we saw during the campaign was warm and inclusive,” Jones said.
“But the one on stage tonight came across as combative and sharp. I think he missed a chance to welcome more people under his tent.”
Jones added that while Mamdani’s passion was undeniable, his aggressive delivery might alienate those still deciding whether to support him.
“It felt like a character switch,” he observed.
“The empathetic, down-to-earth figure people saw on TikTok wasn’t the one giving that speech.”
Balancing Passion and Leadership
Despite the criticism, even Jones acknowledged Mamdani’s impressive achievement.
“He’s very young, and he just pulled off something incredibly difficult,” he admitted.
“I wouldn’t write him off. But he needs to find a way to balance that passion with openness if he wants to bring more people on board.”
What Comes Next
As the celebrations faded and the streets of Brooklyn quieted, one question lingered: What kind of mayor will Zohran Mamdani be?
His victory has already rewritten the city’s political playbook, but the challenge ahead lies in turning his fiery ideals into inclusive leadership that unites the diverse city he now leads.
The party may be over, but for Mamdani, the real test of leadership is just beginning.