New Yorkers elected leftist Zohran Mamdani as their next mayor Tuesday broadcasters projected, on a day of key local ballots across the country offering the first electoral judgement of Donald Trump's tumultuous second White House term.
Mamdani's victory came in the face of fierce, attacks on his policies and Muslim heritage from President Donald Trump, business elites and conservative media.
And Democrats won governor's races in Virginia and New Jersey -- suggesting a shift in political mood as the country looks to next year's midterm elections when control of Congress will be up for grabs.
The self-described socialist was virtually unknown before his upset victory to secure the Democratic nomination over former governor Andrew Cuomo who he trounced again Tuesday.
Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels citizen crime patrol group, came in third after weeks of Cuomo insisting he bow out to increase his chances.
Turnout was high in this year's vote with 1.45 million people casting ballots by 3 pm (2000 GMT) -- more than the total number of voters in the 2021 race.