Zohran Mamdani’s historic election as New York City’s first Muslim mayor has sparked excitement and hope among American Muslims.

Many are relieved and proud that anti-Muslim vitriol directed at Mamdani during the campaign didn't discourage New Yorkers from voting for him.

“For the first time in a very long time I feel hope — as a Muslim, as a Democrat, as an American, as an immigrant,” said Bukhtawar Waqas, who literally jumped for joy and called her father to celebrate.

She said she attended Mamdani’s victory speech and was reassured by the diversity of New Yorkers around her despite any challenges that may be ahead.

Growing up, Waqas, a Pakistani American physician, never thought she’d see a Muslim become mayor of New York City. She said she gravitated toward Mamdani’s messages to th

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