London Mayor Sadiq Khan Praises Zohran Mamdani’s Historic New York Mayoral Win as a Victory for Hope

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has hailed Zohran Mamdani’s election as New York City’s new mayor as “a fantastic win,” celebrating it as a triumph of “hope over fear.” Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, made history by becoming the first Muslim mayor of America’s largest city. His victory echoes Khan’s own groundbreaking win in 2016, when he became London’s first Muslim mayor.

Mamdani’s campaign centered on progressive policies, including raising taxes on corporations and the wealthy to fund free childcare, rent freezes, and free public bus services. Khan praised Mamdani’s ability to connect with voters through his message of fairness and inclusivity, noting that “his being Muslim is almost beside the point.”

Drawing parallels to his own journey, Khan acknowledged facing Islamophobia during his first election and ongoing hostility from figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump, who once called him a “stone cold loser” and accused him of wanting to impose Sharia law in London. In response, Khan has repeatedly described Trump as “racist, sexist, misogynistic, and Islamophobic.”

“London, like New York, is a city that is liberal, multicultural, and progressive—the opposite of Donald Trump’s politics of fear,” Khan said, adding that both cities embody hope and diversity in contrast to divisive rhetoric.

Speaking from Brazil ahead of the COP30 environmental summit, Khan reflected on how both he and Mamdani faced opposition from national leaders “who hated us,” yet managed to unite their cities. He emphasized the importance of standing up to political bullies when necessary, even at the national level.

Khan, a Labour Party member and human rights lawyer, continues to focus on environmental reform, affordable housing, and transport investment—though critics argue that crime rates have risen under his leadership.