In a recent special election for a New York Assembly seat, candidate Diana Moreno won decisively. According to Gothamist and unofficial election night results, Moreno defeated Rana Abdelhamid by a margin of nearly 60 points. Moreno ran on the Democratic and Working Families Party lines and received endorsements from Mayor Zohran Mamdani as well as members of the New York City Democratic Socialists of America.
Moreno’s election represents a personal milestone for the Ecuadorian immigrant and workers’ rights advocate, while also aligning with policy priorities supported by Mayor Zohran Mamdani. In a statement obtained by Gothamist, Mamdani said he was proud to support Moreno, citing her work on workers’ rights, immigrant issues, and universal childcare. Moreno is expected to join the New York State Socialists in Office and continue engaging with Democratic Socialists of America chapters while advancing legislative initiatives focused on labor and social policy.
Moreno won the race with 74% of the vote, according to the New York City Board of Elections. The outcome marked Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s first electoral victory involving an endorsed candidate since taking office. Moreno’s campaign reflected policy positions associated with Mamdani and drew support from a range of groups. Speaking after the results were announced, Moreno referenced the neighborhood’s political identity with the remark, “Welcome to the People’s Republic of Astoria,” as reported by City & State New York.
Moreno’s opponents, including independent candidate Rana Abdelhamid and third-place finisher Mary Jobaida, trailed in the vote count. Abdelhamid received endorsements from several individuals and organizations within the Muslim community, though these did not overcome the level of support consolidated behind Moreno. Speaking at Moreno’s election night event, Mayor Zohran Mamdani told City & State New York, “What makes us special is not who we are as individuals, it’s what we’re all fighting for together.” Following her win, Moreno is expected to campaign again in the near future for a full term in the seat.
Special elections in other parts of New York also resulted in clear victories. In Manhattan, Erik Bottcher and Keith Powers won their respective state legislative races by large margins. Across multiple boroughs, the results included wins by candidates associated with progressive and socialist organizations, including those aligned with Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Democratic Socialists of America.
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