Voter turnout Register voters-20,483 Voted as of Election Day-4,620 Voter turnout-22.56%

All precincts reporting. W=Winner pending canvass.

Hays City Commission 2 four-year terms; 1 two-year term Reese Barrick-1137 Shaun Musil-1772-W David Vilaysing-1340-W Candace (CJ) Hathaway-467 Sandy Jacobs-1542-W Samuel Allen-165 Justin Choitz-204 Kelly Ancar-744 David Koshiol-1277

See the Hays Post for a story on this race on Wednesday.

Hays USD 489 3 at-large positions Ken Brooks-1948-W Curt C. Vajnar-2531-W Craig Pallister-1948-W Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp-1294 Kelly Ancar-1603

Ellis City Mayor 1 position Devin D. Henderson-111 Martin V. LaBarge-209-W

Ellis City Treasurer 1 position Amanda M. Shannon-378-W

Ellis City Councilmember 3 at large&nbsp;positions John A. Walz-315-W David R. McDaniel-250-W Kevin LaBarge-275-W

Schoenchen Mayor 1 position Kevin Bieker-32-W

Schoenchen City Councilmember 5&nbsp;Positions Jim Mowry-29-W

Victoria City Mayor 1 position John Schulte-178-W

Victoria Councilmember 3 positions Ryan Lichter-155-W Matthew L Sander-170-W

USD 432-Victoria 3 District at-Large positions Shanna Dinkel-201-W Jacob Hunter-101 Connie Braun-216-W Jeanna Wellbrock-96 Jennifer Berens-188-W

USD 388-Ellis 3 at large positions 1 unexpired term (2 years) NO CANDIDATES ON THE BALLOT

Big Creek Improvement District 3 Director&nbsp;positions Duane F. Kuhn-41-W Keith Schmidt-25 Larry Leiker-39-W Casey F Herrman-29-W

Munjor Improvement District 3 Director&nbsp;positions Darold F Younker-20-W

Prairie Acres Improvement District 3&nbsp;Director positions Shane Gregg-14-W Kevin Zimmer-20-W Bradley Stewart-15-W Bill Wierman-1

Suburban Estates Improvement District 3&nbsp;Director positions NO CANDIDATES ON THE BALLOT

Cottonwood Extension District No. 17 2 board positions Donna Maskus-3259-W Dinah Newman-1834-W

Write-in candidates will be calculated starting on Wednesday, and winners will be announced as soon as they become available.

The canvass to certify the official election results will be at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Ellis County Administration Center in the county commission meeting room.

Election results 2025: Final results pending canvas

Ellis County Jail bookings: Oct. 26-Nov. 1, 2025

Ellis County Sheriff's activity log: Oct. 26-Nov. 1, 2025

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/522d9bc7-8664-49c5-aba6-3242dc805e2a">FIND FOOD PANTRIES IN ELLIS COUNTY HERE</a>

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/f164f668-bb65-4763-88e9-50c2e763d898">The White House announced on Monday that it will allow the USDA to use all of the SNAP contingency funds to pay part of food benefits for November.</a>

In October, the USDA announced a pause in benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps, due to the government shutdown.

Both SNAP recipients and community food pantries have been preparing for a pause in benefits.

Theresa Hill, executive director of the Community Assistance Center in Hays, said the pantry is well-stocked at this time. The annual Trick-or-Treat So Others Can Eat in October is one of the pantry's largest donation drives of the year.

Hill said the center also receives more food donations during the holidays.

However, Hill and others said that pressure on local pantries has already been on the rise due to the increasing cost of food.

Macey Pfeifer, First Call for Help director, said she saw an increase in food, rent and utility requests in October ahead of the benefit lapse.

"I think there had been talk about pausing SNAP in early to mid-October, and I think that really scared people," Pfeifer said. "Our food was flying off the shelves at the beginning of he month and mid-month."

She said First Call restocked its food pantry three times in October.

"It's been a huge expense," she said. "Thankfully, we have had great donors and people bringing stuff in to us, too."

Pfeifer said First Call for Help has also received a couple of grants this year that have helped keep the pantry full.

As of last week, Pfeifer said the pantry was well-stocked, but the agency always welcomes donations. She said the pantry has had a high demand for canned vegetables, canned beans, soup and boxes of cereal.

The Hays Post asked Pfeifer what it means for a family to miss a month's worth of food assistance.

"I think they probably won't be eating unless they come to a food bank," she said. "We have a lot of families here who rely on SNAP benefits, and I think it's a very scary time for them because they really do count on that money.

"It's not that they don't work. There are a lot of people who receive SNAP who are employed. Maybe they are minimum wage [earners] or are single moms or single dads.

"It probably means that they are going to eat less or they'll have to miss a meal here or there," she said.

Pfeifer said a family came in a couple of weeks ago seeking rental assistance. She said the parents were missing meals to feed their kids. That family had discussed moving one of their children to live with a different family member because they couldn't afford to feed them.

To access resources through First Call for Help, you must live in Ellis County. You must present an ID on your first visit. You can use a driver's license or a government-issued ID card. No proof of income is required for assistance with food or hygiene items. You can access resources every 30 days.

Pfeifer said she thought the community as a whole would see more evictions and people needing more help with other bills, in addition to food, because people will be using that money for food.

Renee Michaud, director of the St. Joseph's Food Pantry in Hays, said she was unsure how the delays in SNAP benefits would affect the food pantry.

"It is hard to know how that impact will come, even if it will come at all," she said, "but we will do the best we can to meet the need that comes. Hopefully, the government shutdown won't last that much longer."

Michaud said she has seen a slight increase—about 10%—in food needs due to other factors, including inflation.

"We made it through COVID. I'm sure we'll find a way to make it through this, too," she said.

St. Joseph's Food Pantry is open from 9 a.m. to noon on the first and third Saturdays of the month. To qualify for assistance, you need to be a resident of Ellis County, but you do not need to show proof of income.

Ellis County food pantries readying for food needs in light of SNAP delays

Click&nbsp;<a href="https://hayspost.com/category/obituaries">HERE</a>&nbsp;to view the most recent obituaries and service times from our funeral home partners.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/corrections-about-us">Click HERE for the Hays Post obituary policy.&nbsp;</a>

How to submit an obituary to the Hays Post

Please email obituaries to haysobits@eaglemedia.com.

Please allow up to 24 hours from the submission of the obituary for it to be posted on the Hays Post.&nbsp;

If you have questions, please contact Scarlett Deutscher at 785-301-2211.&nbsp;

If you have an issue outside of business hours or your obit has not been published within 24 hours, please email <a href="mailto:hayspost@eaglemedia.com" target="_blank">hayspost@eaglemedia.com</a> or call Cristina Janney, Hays Post editor, at 785-301-2077.&nbsp;

Recent obituaries, how to submit an obituary

First Call for Help,&nbsp;&nbsp;607 E. 13th,&nbsp; 785-623-2800 &nbsp;Accessible 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday&nbsp; Food pantry/box distribution-One per family every 30 days, ID required Meals on Wheels-Elderly or disabled individuals-call for more information

Catholic Charities, 1011 Centennial Blvd., 785-625-2644 &nbsp;Accessible 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday&nbsp; &nbsp;Food box distribution-One per family per month Some paperwork required

St. Joseph Food Bank,&nbsp;&nbsp;210 W 13th, 785-625-7356 Distribution-First and third Saturday of every month, 9 a.m.-noon (Kennedy building, back entrance) Serving everyone, basic household information needed

&nbsp;Community Assistance Center,&nbsp;208 E. 12th, 785-625-9110 Accessible 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. Monday-Friday,&nbsp; Serving Ellis County residents, proof of income and residency (utility bill or lease)

&nbsp;FHSU Tiger Pantry - Located in Memorial Union-Chestnut Room Accessible 9:30-11:30 a.m.&nbsp;Monday-Friday and 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday Fresh fruit and vegetables when available. Serving students, faculty and staff at Fort Hays State University

&nbsp;Unite Ministry,&nbsp;&nbsp;The Gamer's Guild,&nbsp;&nbsp;200 E. Eighth,&nbsp; 785-259-2539 &nbsp;Accessible 5 to 10 p.m. Monday-Friday and 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday&nbsp; &nbsp;Food pantry and free store

&nbsp;Ellis County Health Department-NOT AVAILABLE DURING FEDERAL SHUTDOWN &nbsp;WIC (Women Infants and Children) ONLY-Income and other requirements

North Oak Community Church, 3000 Oak, 785-628-8887 Accessible 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m.-noon Friday. PLEASE CALL FIRST

New Life Center,&nbsp;1701 E. 22nd, 785-625-5528 Accessible 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday&nbsp; PLEASE CALL FIRST

Hays High School,&nbsp; counseling office, 785-623-2600 Accessible Monday-Friday during school hours Serving students and their families in need Hays Middle School, Donna Lubers,&nbsp; 785-623-2450 Accessible Monday-Friday during school hours Serving students and their families in need PLEASE CALL FIRST

St. Fidelis Church,&nbsp;601 10th, 785-735-2777 Serving area parishes and transients&nbsp; PLEASE CALL FIRST

Ellis Nutrition Center,&nbsp;103 W. Eighth, 785-726-1278 Accessible Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday Serving USD 388 School District and the surrounding area Home deliveries for elderly/disabled. Call NWKS Area Agency on Aging&nbsp;

Ellis Food Pantry,&nbsp;103 W. Eighth, 785-726-1278 Accessible either the first or last day of the month, call to confirm

First Call for Help,&nbsp;607 E. 13th, 785-623-2800 Accesible de lunes a viernes de 8:00 a. m. a 12:00 p. m. y de 1:00 p. m. a 4:30 p. m. Distribución de cajas/despensas de alimentos: una por familia cada 30 días, se requiere identificación

Catholic Charities, 1011 Centennial Blvd., 785-625-2644&nbsp;&nbsp; Accesible de lunes a jueves de 8:00 a 17:00 horas Distribución de cajas de alimentos: una por familia por mes Se requiere algo de papeleo

Banco de alimentos&nbsp;de&nbsp;St. Joseph, 210 W 13th, 785-625-7356 Renee Michaud Distribución: 1.er y 3.er sábado de cada mes, de 9:00 a. m. a 12:00 p. m. (edificio Kennedy, entrada trasera) Al servicio de todos, se necesita información básica del hogar.

Community Assistance Center,&nbsp;208 E. 12th, 785-625-9110 Theresa Hill Accesible de lunes a viernes, de 8:30 a. m. a 12:30 p. m. Sirviendo a los residentes del condado de Ellis, comprobante de ingresos y residencia (factura de servicios públicos o contrato de arrendamiento)

Despensa Tiger de FHSU - ubicada en&nbsp;Sala Memorial Union-Chestnut,&nbsp;Accesible de lunes a viernes de 9:30 a. m. a 11:30 a. m. y de 3:30 p. m. a 5:30 p. m. Viernes Frutas y verduras frescas cuando estén disponibles. Al servicio de estudiantes, profesores y personal de la Universidad Estatal de Fort Hays

Unite Ministry,&nbsp;The Gamer's Guild, 200 E. 8th, 785-259-2539 Accesible de lunes a viernes de 17:00 a 22:00 horas y sábados y domingos de 14:00 a 22:00 horas. Despensa de alimentos y tienda gratuita

Departamento de Salud del Condado de Ellis -&nbsp;NO DISPONIBLE DURANTE EL CIERRE DEL GOBIERNO FEDERAL WIC (Mujeres, bebés y niños) SOLAMENTE - Requisitos de ingresos y otros

North Oak Community Church,&nbsp;3000 Oak, 785-628-8887 Accesible de lunes a jueves de 9:00 a 15:00 horas; viernes de 9:00 a 12:00 horas POR FAVOR LLAME PRIMERO

New Life Center,&nbsp;1701 E. 22nd, 785-625-5528 Accesible de lunes a jueves de 10:00 a 17:00 horas POR FAVOR LLAME PRIMERO

Hays High School,&nbsp; counseling office, 785-623-2600 Accesible de lunes a viernes durante el horario escolar Sirviendo a los estudiantes y sus familias necesitadas

Hays Middle School,&nbsp;Donna Lubers,&nbsp; 785-623-2450 Accesible de lunes a viernes durante el horario escolar Sirviendo a los estudiantes de HMS y sus familias necesitadas&nbsp; &nbsp;POR FAVOR LLAME PRIMERO

St. Fidelis Church,&nbsp;601 10th, 785-735-2777 Sirviendo parroquias y transeúntes del área POR FAVOR LLAME PRIMERO

Ellis Nutrition Center,&nbsp;103 W. 8th, 785-726-1278 Accesible de lunes a martes, jueves y viernes. Sirviendo al Distrito Escolar 388 y sus alrededores&nbsp; Entregas a domicilio para personas mayores o discapacitadas. Llame a la Agencia del Área sobre el Envejecimiento de NWKS&nbsp;

Ellis Food Pantry,&nbsp;103 W. 8th, 785-726-1278 Accesible Ya sea el primer o último día del mes, llame para confirmar

Food pantries in Ellis County; bancos de alimentos en el condado de Ellis

THOMAS COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just after 6p.m. Monday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2026 Freightliner driven by Robert J.&nbsp;Bellis, 60, Kansas City, Missouri, was westbound on Interstate 70 just west of County Road 11. The vehicle drifted off the road and the driver overcorrected. This caused the hitch for the second trailer to break when it reentered the roadway. The load shifted and the vehicle fell on its passenger side.

EMS transported&nbsp;Bellis to Citizens Medical Center. He was properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Driver hospitalized after I-70 semi accident

<a href="https://www.kscourts.gov/">Kansas Judicial Branch</a>

TOPEKA—The Kansas District Magistrate Judges Association presented its annual Lee Nusser Award for Outstanding Magistrate Judge to Judge Brendon Boone of Gove County during a recent statewide conference for judges.

Boone serves in the 23rd Judicial District, which is composed of Ellis, Gove, Rooks, and Trego counties. He has been a district magistrate judge since 2015.

Boone said he was honored and surprised to receive the award and credits the judges and court staff for their guidance and support.

“This award reflects the teamwork, mentorship, and community that surround me every day and create success in our district,” he said. “The chief judges I’ve worked under have kept me grounded in proper legal direction and professionalism, and the clerks in our four counties are, in my opinion, the best in the state.”

Boone also credits the leadership of his fellow magistrate judges in helping him become the judge he is today.

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to learn from some of the best, including past Nusser Award recipients Judges Richard Flax and Douglas Bigge, whose wisdom, patience, and guidance have shaped how I approach this role every day.”

One of Boone’s roles is presiding over the assisted outpatient treatment court in Ellis County. Flax, who nominated Boone for the award, said Boone was instrumental in launching the specialty court program as one of five pilot sites in 2021.

The court is part of a community program to help people with mental health and substance use issues who have had frequent encounters with law enforcement. Rather than go to jail, program participants can enter a voluntary court-monitored treatment plan to aid in their recovery and independence.

"The program’s success is truly a reflection of the incredible team behind it,” Boone said. “Their dedication and compassion drive that court’s impact, and I’m grateful to be part of it. It has been one of my greatest joys as a judge.”

Boone graduated from Kansas State University and Fort Hays State University. He taught junior high school math and video production for 17 years before becoming a judge.

Boone served on the Supreme Court Language Access Committee. He also served on the governing board of Northwest Kansas Community Corrections and Northwest Kansas Juvenile Services. He is a past president of the Kansas District Magistrate Judges Association.

The award is named for Lee Nusser, who served as a district magistrate judge in Stafford County from 1976 to 1999. He died in 2003. The award is given to a judge who has exhibited support of the Kansas judiciary and the dignity and integrity of the magistrate judges association.

District Magistrate Judge Brendon Boone receives statewide award

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

Keeping track of financial records can make life easier and more efficient for you. If the event of an emergency, having family members who know how and where to access your records can be a huge help! Stop for a moment and think: Do you know where all your records are located? Would someone else know in case of your injury or death?

Records should be accessible when needed and stored in a safe place. Receipts, documentation, proofs of ownership and identification may be necessary to collect insurance, pension, or retirement benefits, to receive military compensation, and to solve tax or inheritance problems.

This can feel like an overwhelming task but K-State Extension has a great resource to help you collect and document the important information you may need. You can access the document at <a href="https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/o">https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/our-valuable-records_MF685.pdf </a>or stop by the office and we’ll print one off for you.

This document provides space to record everything from bank and investment accounts to health and life insurance information as well as property ownership and tax and legal advisors.

Gathering the information into one place can also be a great time to review ownership and beneficiaries as life can change and the time to change these is not in the midst of a medical emergency. While these discussions can be tough, the Our Valuable Records document can also be a great tool to hold that conversation.

No matter what tool that you use to document your financial records, keeping a copy in a safe or safety deposit box is an important step to protect your sensitive financial information.

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other K-State Extension resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Financial recordkeeping for an easier, more efficient life

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas felon on new allegations.

Just before 3p.m. Sunday, officers filed a report for violating a protection order and stalking in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report. A 26-year-old woman was listed as the victim. 

Just after 4p.m. , police arrested Alfred Walls, 29, of Ellis, in Manhattan. Walls is being held on a $6,000 bond on requested charges of&nbsp; violating a protection order and stalking. Walls has two previous drug related convictions, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Ellis man with history of crime jailed on new allegations 

Cub Scout pancake feed set for Saturday at First Presbyterian Church

&nbsp;Submit events to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:admin@hayspost.com">admin@hayspost.com</a>. Cover photo courtesy Pixabay

Special thanks to <a href="https://www.visithays.com/183/Events">The Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau</a> and<a href="https://www.fhsu.edu/"> Fort Hays State University</a> for their contributions to the community calendar.

Community Calendar

Hays Coat Drive giveaway set for Saturday

DORRANCE — The Dorrance American Legion Post 334 will host a steak feed Saturday, Nov. 8.

Social hour begins at 5:30 p.m. with the meal at 6 :30 p.m.

12 or 6-ounce ribeye steak with baked potato, corn, green beans, tea or water and a big selection of desserts will be served.&nbsp;

Cold beer and mixed drinks will be available.

Proceeds benefit the Dorrance American Legion Post 334.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Dorrance American Legion steak feed Nov. 8

By TONY GUERRERO Hays Post

The Ellis County Commission will consider appointing a delegate to represent the county at the Kansas County Association Multiline Pool during its meeting at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.

County officials from across Kansas will gather Dec. 9-11 in Wichita for a series of educational sessions and workshops.

Because the Kansas Association of Counties Conference overlaps with the regularly scheduled county commission meeting, a cancellation notice will be issued since all three commissioners plan to attend the event.

The commission will also hear the introduction of new and promoted employees at its meeting.

You can view the full agenda <a href="https://www.ellisco.net/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11042025-708">here</a>.

Ellis County Commission to attend state association of counties conference

Nov. 1 Osborne Gift Fair, Sims Event Center, 109 W. Main St., Osborne. Join us for all your Christmas needs!

The Craft Basket, Alton Community Room, 618 Mill St., Alton Unique, handmade gifts for everyone. Dates: Nov. 1-Dec. 21 Fridays &amp; Saturdays 9-5 Sundays 1-5. After Christmas Clearance Sale Dec. 27 9-5

Nov. 8 Hunters Feed at the Front Porch Event Center &amp; Bakery, 602 Mill St., Alton. After a day of hunting and/or shopping at the Mill Street Market, join us at the Front Porch Event Center for a delicious meal! The menu is Brisket, Au Gratin Potatoes, Dinner Roll, Coleslaw, Corn on the Cob, and Pumpkin Pie!

Mill Street Market in Alton. A unique craft show located all over downtown Alton! Join us from 9-2 for all your Christmas shopping!

Nov. 11 Mommy &amp; Me Tea, 715 N. Second St., Natoma. Come on in for an elegant, fun and fanciful Tea Party! Every Second Tuesday at 6 P.M. Call 785-346-4772 for more information.

Veterans Day Salute, Natoma Elementary School, 610 3rd St., Natoma. Join us at 10:15 for a beautiful tribute to our veterans!

Nov. 15 Alice in Wonderland Tea Party and Play, Osborne High School, 219 N. 2nd St., Osborne. Visit Wonderland for a day! Join us for a tea party in the Old Gym at 6 PM on November 15th before our rendition of Alice in Wonderland at 7! Ticket (with VIP seating and tea party) $20* *RSVP to the high school office ( 785-346-2143) before November 1st! or Ticket at the gate $8 per adult and $5 per student. We hope to see you there!

Nov. 19 Dinner Club at the Second St. Café, 715 N. 2nd St., Natoma. Enjoy a 7-course meal every 3rd Wednesday at 7:00 at the Second Street Cafe Dinner Club! For more information call 785-346-4772.

Nov. 29 Downs Holiday Gift Fair, Lakeside Gym, 1306 N. Morgan, Downs. Join us at the Lakeside Gym from 9:00 AM-2:00 PM!

November events in Osborne County

November 2025 community events in Hays

By LINN ANN HUNTINGTON Special to Hays Post

First Call for Help of Ellis County is planning its annual “Homes 4 The Holidays Carnival Night” for children.

 While the event is especially geared for ages 2 to 12, “any ages are welcome as we will have games and concessions, too,” said Macey Pfeifer, First Call’s executive director.

The fundraising event will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Hays Recreation Commission, 1105 Canterbury Dr. The night will also include inflatables and raffle prizes, Pfeifer said.

The cost is $10 per wristband or a maximum cost of $25 for families with three or more children. Only cash and Venmo will be accepted for payment. Concessions will be available for purchase.

 All participants must wear socks, Pfeifer said. Socks will be available for purchase for those who forget to wear them.

“Proceeds from this event will directly support individuals and families in securing safe, stable housing by covering the first month’s rent and/or deposit costs.&nbsp;Many people are currently living in unsafe or unhealthy conditions but are unable to move simply because they can’t afford the upfront costs required,” Pfeifer said.

“Our goal is to be a helping hand—removing that financial barrier and ensuring those in need have the opportunity to transition into a safer, more livable home where they can begin to rebuild and thrive.”

Helping with the event is a team of Leadership 310 students from Fort Hays State University. They are Mika Zimmerman, Hays junior; Matthew Berner, Hays junior; Thomas Pendergast, Hays sophomore; Anthony Arial, Hays junior; and Sabrina Adkins, Hays junior.

Pfeifer said, “Home 4 The Holidays Carnival Night is the perfect family-friendly event that won’t break the bank—especially for those with multiple children. But it’s more than just games, prizes, and memories—it’s a night that gives back.

“Your attendance helps support families in need by providing safe, livable housing and covering first month’s rent and deposit, giving them the stability they need to focus on building a better future. Come for the fun--stay for the impact.”

First Call schedules annual carnival night for children

Catholic Charities: Fill the freezer, shopping list to stock pantry

NEW YORK (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nyc-mayoral-democratic-primary-zohran-mamdani-f87ea9d5b649cea8335ca7df6399c1f0">Zohran Mamdani</a>&nbsp;was elected mayor of New York City on Tuesday, capping&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nyc-mayor-zohran-mamdani-cuomo-sliwa-election-f02d76499a2a039e01601fabff0e416f">a stunning ascent</a>&nbsp;for the 34-year-old state lawmaker, who was set to become the city’s most liberal mayor in generations.

In a victory for the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zohran-mamdani-sanders-aoc-nyc-mayor-cuomo-689da72b6214d255019f9acd1df62f74">Democratic party’s progressive wing</a>, Mamdani defeated former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani must now navigate the unending demands of America’s biggest city and deliver on ambitious — skeptics say unrealistic — campaign promises.

With the victory,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zohran-mamdani-nyc-mayor-election-cuomo-59f6a66cd40d4c2b750fdfd06a4f5da1">the democratic socialist</a>&nbsp;will etch his place in history as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zohran-mamdani-andrew-cuomo-mayors-race-936dd6bd228dbae7b85ee30f2d8c88e7">the city’s first Muslim mayor</a>, the first of South Asian heritage and the first born in Africa. He will also become the city’s youngest mayor in more than a century when he takes office on Jan. 1.

Mamdani’s unlikely rise gives credence to Democrats who have urged the party to embrace more progressive, left-wing candidates instead of rallying behind centrists in hopes of winning back swing voters who have abandoned the party.

He has already faced scrutiny from national Republicans, including President Donald Trump, who have eagerly cast him as a threat and the face of what they say is a more radical Democratic Party.

The contest drove the biggest turnout in a mayoral race in more than 50 years, with more than 2 million New Yorkers casting ballots, according to the city’s Board of Elections.

At his victory party in Brooklyn, Mamdani supporters cheered and embraced, some tearfully, after The Associated Press called the race. Campaign posters flew through the air, as one person hoisted the official flag of New York City and Bad Bunny played from the speakers.

Mamdani’s X account&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/ZohranKMamdani/status/1985899742044262838">posted a video</a>&nbsp;of a subway train pulling up to City Hall station, with an announcement that said, “The next and last stop is City Hall.”

Mamdani’s grassroots campaign centered on affordability, and his charisma spoiled Cuomo’s attempted political comeback. The former governor, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/andrew-cuomo-resigns-17161f546bb83c32a337036ecf8d2a34">resigned</a>&nbsp;four years ago following allegations of sexual harassment that he continues to deny, was dogged by his past throughout the race and was criticized for running a negative campaign.

There’s also the question of how he will deal with Trump, who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-zohran-mamdani-new-york-communism-attacks-nyc-mayor-c66707800e55eb4e72b06af5e159a680">threatened to take over the city</a>&nbsp;and to arrest and deport Mamdani if he won. Mamdani&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/uganda-zohran-mamdani-mayor-election-new-york-d41260eeef2438498a3aa04118fbd2df">was born in Uganda</a>, where he spent his early childhood, but was raised in New York City and became a U.S. citizen in 2018.

Mamdani must now start building for his ambitious agenda

Mamdani, who was criticized throughout the campaign for his thin resume, will now have to begin staffing his incoming administration before taking office next year and game out how he plans to accomplish the ambitious but polarizing agenda that drove him to victory.

Among the campaign’s promises are free child care, free city bus service, city-run grocery stores and a new Department of Community Safety that would send mental health care workers to handle certain emergency calls rather than police officers. It is unclear how Mamdani will pay for such initiatives, given Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul’s steadfast opposition to his calls to raise taxes on wealthy people.

His decisions around the leadership of the New York Police Department will also be closely watched. Mamdani was a fierce critic of the department in 2020, calling for “this rogue agency” to be defunded and slamming it as “racist, anti-queer &amp; a major threat to public safety.” He has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mamdani-mayor-nyc-cuomo-trump-b58f8d312f8ed67b01bfb7a3a078387c">since apologized</a>&nbsp;for those comments and has said he will ask the current NYPD commissioner to stay on the job.

Mamdani’s campaign was driven by his optimistic view of the city and his promises to improve the quality of life for its middle and lower classes.

But Cuomo, Sliwa and other critics assailed him over his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zohran-mamdani-andrew-cuomo-israel-11e3f9c7b9ad37dfd356a0177f3a080a">vehement criticism of Israel</a>&nbsp;’s military actions in Gaza. Mamdani, a longtime advocate of Palestinian rights, has accused Israel of committing genocide and said he would honor an arrest warrant the International Criminal Court issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

How Mamdani won over the city while Cuomo faltered

Mamdani began his campaign as a relatively obscure state lawmaker, little known even within New York City.

Going into the Democratic primary, Cuomo was the presumed favorite, with near-universal name recognition and deep political connections. Cuomo’s chances were buoyed further when incumbent Mayor Eric Adams bowed out of the primary while dealing with the fallout of his now-dismissed&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/new-york-mayor-eric-adams-charges-ff3730a2e870cd219e8fead8899118b1">federal corruption case</a>.

But as the race progressed, Mamdani’s natural charm, catchy social media videos and populist economic platform energized voters in the notoriously expensive city. He also began drawing outside attention as his name ID grew.

Mamdani ultimately trounced Cuomo in the primary by about 13 points.

The former governor&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/andrew-cuomo-zohran-mamdani-new-york-mayor-b51061b3b88ff52b44ffebbbf952554d">relaunched his campaign as an independent candidate</a>&nbsp;for the general election, vowing to hit the streets with a more energetic approach. However, much of his campaign continued to focus on attacking opponents. In the race’s final stretch, he claimed Mamdani’s election would make Jews feel unsafe.

Meanwhile, supporters&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/zohran-mamdani-sanders-aoc-nyc-mayor-cuomo-689da72b6214d255019f9acd1df62f74">packed Mamdani’s rallies</a>, and he held whimsical events, including a scavenger hunt and a community soccer tournament.

Cuomo also juxtaposed his deep experience in government with Mamdani’s less than five years in the state Legislature. But the former governor also faced his own political baggage, as his opponents dredged up the sexual harassment allegations that led to his resignation, as well as his decisions during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sliwa, the creator of the Guardian Angels crime patrol group, also had his moments — mostly in the form of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/nyc-cuomo-mamdani-sliwa-mayor-election-b0e465db9066d102c8eaf61695ffdacf">funny quips</a>&nbsp;on the debate stage — but had difficulty gaining traction as a Republican in an overwhelmingly Democratic city.

He conceded the race about a half hour after the polls closed, telling supporters: “We have a mayor-elect. Obviously I wish him good luck because if he does well, we do well.”

Zohran Mamdani wins New York City mayor's race

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas' Republican House leader on Tuesday dropped efforts to force a redraw of U.S. House districts that would have thrust the state into a widening national&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/redistricting-gerrymandering-voting-maps-congress-trump-2ba53ae1f492f8e293f0fa261604e8c6">battle for partisan advantage</a>&nbsp;in the 2026 elections.

The announcement by Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins ends a weekslong push by GOP lawmakers to circumvent Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly and call themselves into a special session on redistricting, which would have convened later this week.

A session would have targeted ousting four-term U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, the only Democrat in the state’s congressional delegation.

Kansas Republicans were trying to answer President Donald Trump's call for states to redraw their maps to give the GOP at least seven more winnable seats ahead of the 2026 midterms so the party stands a better chance of keeping its slim House majority.

The Kansas constitution allowed Republicans to bypass Kelly’s refusal to call a special session by having two-thirds of the members of both chambers sign a petition. The GOP has the necessary supermajorities, but a few Republican lawmakers opposed a mid-decade redistricting. Others feared that changes could make the three other Republican-held districts more competitive for Democrats.

“Planning a Special Session is always going to be an uphill battle with multiple agendas, scheduling conflicts and many unseen factors at play,” Hawkins said in a statement.

GOP lawmakers in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/redistricting-texas-elections-2026-trump-5e67fa8cccda52c4c4af22178db6a2de">Texas,</a><a href="https://apnews.com/article/redistricting-gerrymander-trump-missouri-936e8daecadb32556fcfbd2eb9f7457b">Missouri</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-congress-redistricting-trump-5dccfdf94253efb56c59bbb3d3e3a6d8">North Carolina</a>&nbsp;have heeded the president's call for new maps.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/barack-obama-california-redistricting-proposal-ad-c3961c1de1c93a57904e7b8df9a1a3fb">California</a>&nbsp;countered with an initiative on Tuesday's ballot to pick up five Democratic seats there.

It would have been only the second time in the state's 164-year history that lawmakers bypassed the governor for a special session. The only previous time was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-religion-eadf501664c90e87c9949d6a3adecc0f">in 2021,</a>&nbsp;when Republicans sought to challenge federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates. GOP leaders circulated this year's petition for weeks.

Republicans still could circulate another petition, but the Legislature is scheduled to convene its next regular, annual session on Jan. 12, and they would still have time after that to get a new map into law.

The state's filing candidate filing deadline isn't until June 1, and the primary election is Aug. 4.

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