The question who won the NYC mayor election is finally answered — and the result has reshaped New York City’s political landscape. After months of heated campaigning, debates, and community organizing, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams has emerged as the clear victor in the 2025 mayoral race, defeating incumbent Eric Adams in a landslide victory that signals a dramatic shift in the city’s direction.
With the final count certified by the New York City Board of Elections, Williams’ victory is not only historic but also deeply symbolic. It reflects voters’ growing demand for equity, affordability, and transparent governance in a city still recovering from years of political tension and economic hardship.
Jumaane Williams Wins the 2025 NYC Mayoral Election
Jumaane Williams, a lifelong Brooklyn resident and one of the city’s most recognizable progressive voices, captured approximately 58 percent of the vote. Eric Adams, the moderate Democratic incumbent, trailed significantly with 32 percent, while Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa finished with 9 percent.
The outcome marks a defining moment for New York politics. Williams, who previously served as New York City Public Advocate, becomes the first Afro-Caribbean mayor in city history and one of the most progressive leaders to take the helm since the Bill de Blasio era.
Celebrating his victory in Flatbush on election night, Williams told supporters,
“This campaign was about giving every New Yorker a fair chance — a safe home, a living wage, and a government that listens.”
Crowds erupted as Williams pledged to unite the city and “build an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few.”
Strong Turnout Across All Five Boroughs
Voter turnout exceeded expectations across the city. More than 1.7 million New Yorkers cast ballots in the 2025 election, an increase of nearly 200,000 from 2021. Early voting played a major role, accounting for nearly 40 percent of all ballots cast.
The breakdown by borough showed how broad Williams’ appeal was:
| Borough | Leading Candidate | Voter Turnout |
|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn | Jumaane Williams | 38% |
| Bronx | Jumaane Williams | 34% |
| Manhattan | Williams narrowly ahead | 33% |
| Queens | Eric Adams | 28% |
| Staten Island | Curtis Sliwa | 24% |
Analysts say this higher participation reflected frustration with the status quo and enthusiasm for Williams’ reform-minded message.
How Jumaane Williams Built a Winning Coalition
Williams’ victory didn’t happen overnight. His campaign methodically built a coalition that united progressives, working-class families, and younger voters who wanted change at City Hall.
He spent months holding town halls, walking through public housing complexes, and speaking directly with small-business owners. His message — that New York must be “affordable, fair, and safe for everyone” — resonated across boroughs.
Three pillars defined his campaign strategy:
- Grassroots Mobilization: Williams’ team ran one of the largest volunteer operations in city history, knocking on over 1 million doors and focusing on underrepresented voters.
- Digital and Youth Outreach: His campaign leveraged social media to connect with young voters, many of whom were casting ballots in a mayoral race for the first time.
- Contrast with Adams: Williams emphasized ethics, housing, and affordability, positioning himself as a reformer versus the incumbent’s embattled administration.
By Election Day, exit polls showed Williams leading every major demographic under 50 and commanding overwhelming support from Black and Latino voters.
Key Issues That Shaped the NYC Mayoral Race
1. Housing and Affordability Crisis
No issue loomed larger than housing. Rents in New York City have skyrocketed, with median prices surpassing $3,500 per month in 2025. Williams made housing his signature issue, pledging to create 200,000 new affordable units by 2030 and expand rent stabilization measures.
He also promised to convert unused office buildings into residential spaces — a policy popular with younger renters and working-class families struggling to stay in the city.
2. Public Safety and Policing Reform
While overall crime rates have fallen from pandemic-era highs, concerns over public safety remain. Williams’ campaign proposed a “public safety through prevention” model, which includes expanding mental health crisis response teams, improving youth employment programs, and increasing community policing transparency.
Voters responded positively. Exit polls showed 57 percent trusted Williams more than Adams on handling safety issues — a striking reversal from 2021.
3. Cost of Living and Economic Equity
New York’s economy has rebounded post-pandemic, but not evenly. Many small businesses have closed, and service workers continue to struggle with inflation. Williams vowed to increase funding for small-business grants, strengthen worker protections, and expand tax credits for low-income families.
His emphasis on “economic fairness” helped him win across diverse neighborhoods, from Harlem to the South Bronx.
4. Government Accountability
A defining contrast in the election came from Adams’ legal troubles. Federal investigations into his campaign fundraising and alleged misuse of city resources damaged his credibility.
Williams used the moment to highlight integrity as a campaign cornerstone, promising ethics reform and greater transparency in city spending.
Eric Adams’ Concession and Reaction
After results became clear, Eric Adams conceded defeat late Tuesday night, calling Williams to offer congratulations.
In his concession speech, Adams thanked supporters and defended his record, saying,
“We worked hard to make this city safer and stronger, and I’m proud of what we accomplished together.”
He also urged New Yorkers to give Williams “the space and support to lead effectively.”
Political analysts say Adams’ administration struggled under growing voter fatigue, ongoing investigations, and a perception that he was disconnected from working-class concerns.
The Role of the Republican and Independent Candidates
Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa maintained his traditional base in Staten Island and southern Brooklyn but failed to expand citywide appeal. His law-and-order platform resonated with older voters but fell flat among younger, more diverse electorates.
Independent candidate Diahann Cruz, running on an anti-corruption ticket, received 3 percent of the vote, a modest but noteworthy showing for a third-party candidate in a heavily Democratic city.
Both campaigns shaped important policy debates but were ultimately overshadowed by the dominant Democratic rivalry between Adams and Williams.
Reactions From Leaders and the Public
The reaction to Williams’ win was swift and widespread.
- President Joe Biden congratulated Williams in a statement, calling him “a voice for inclusion, progress, and working people.”
- Governor Kathy Hochul said she looked forward to collaborating on “economic growth, infrastructure, and climate readiness.”
- New York labor unions and tenant advocacy groups celebrated the result as a “people’s victory.”
Public reaction online was overwhelmingly positive, with voters expressing optimism about a new direction for City Hall. Many praised Williams’ authenticity and community roots.
What Comes Next: Williams’ Vision for New York City
Jumaane Williams will be inaugurated on January 1, 2026, on the steps of City Hall. His transition team is already assembling a diverse group of advisors, including housing experts, environmental leaders, and small-business advocates.
His administration’s priorities for the first 100 days include:
- Launching a Citywide Housing Action Plan to accelerate construction and convert underused office space.
- Expanding the NYC Mental Health Response Initiative to replace police with trained specialists for nonviolent crises.
- Investing in green infrastructure and flood prevention, especially in lower Manhattan and coastal neighborhoods.
- Developing a New York Works Program focused on apprenticeships and job training in tech, energy, and construction.
Williams has also promised to keep City Hall open and accessible, holding monthly public forums where residents can voice concerns directly to him and his team.
Challenges Facing the New Administration
Williams’ historic win brings high expectations — and major challenges.
New York faces a projected $6 billion budget gap over the next two years, due to rising pension obligations and infrastructure costs. Housing construction will require coordination across state and federal agencies, while public safety reform will test his ability to balance compassion with accountability.
Still, early indicators show optimism. A CUNY post-election survey found that 68 percent of voters believe Williams will “make the city fairer and more affordable.”
A New Chapter in New York Politics
The 2025 mayoral race reflects more than just a change in leadership — it represents a cultural and generational shift. Younger, more diverse voters are redefining what leadership in New York City looks like.
Williams’ victory brings hope to communities that felt unheard and sets a new tone for what’s possible in progressive governance. His blend of activism, policy expertise, and authenticity may well redefine urban leadership in the U.S.
The 2025 NYC mayoral election marks the start of a new era for America’s largest city. What are your thoughts on Jumaane Williams’ victory and his plans for New York’s future? Share your opinion and stay informed as the city enters this next chapter of change and possibility.