ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A historic moment, and one being celebrated far beyond New York City. The election of Zohran Mamdani as the city's next mayor is resonating deeply with Muslim Americans, including right here in the Finger Lakes region.

Mamdani is a 34-year-old state assemblyman representing Queens. He is the first Muslim to be elected mayor, and to lead one of America's largest cities.

For many, his win is a symbol of progress and possibility, not just for Muslims, but for all underrepresented communities.

Sareer Fazili, the former president of the Islamic Center here in Rochester, spoke with News 8’s Adelisa Badzic on the topic.

“I never really thought that somebody who was as young as he is, and given his background as a Muslim first and foremost, I didn’t think he had a chan

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