Introduction

On November 4, 2025, Elon Musk tweeted a simple joke: “Given that he’s on the ballot twice, maybe he can win twice too 🤦‍♂️.” The tweet, referencing Zohran Mamdani appearing twice on the NYC mayoral ballot, went viral, receiving over 32 million views within 48 hours. While many reacted with confusion or outrage, the story behind the ballot is far more fascinating—and historically significant.

What Happened on the NYC Ballot?

Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old democratic socialist, appeared twice:

• Democratic Party line (A): Zohran Kwame Mamdani
• Working Families Party line (D): Zohran Kwame Mamdani

Meanwhile, Republican Curtis Sliwa also appeared twice under different minor-party lines.

This is completely legal in New York and is known as fusion voting. Votes from both lines are counted toward the same candidate, ensuring minor parties can support major-party candidates without splitting votes.

The Viral Tweet and Public Reaction

Elon Musk’s tweet was a classic example of internet sarcasm. While intended as a light joke, it sparked massive engagement:

• Likes: 175,782
• Retweets: 31,414
• Replies: 15,584

Some users criticized it as “confusing,” while fact-checkers quickly explained fusion voting. Mamdani’s victory became the central story, overshadowing Musk’s joke.

Zohran Mamdani’s Historic Win

• Age: 34, youngest NYC mayor in 100+ years
• Firsts: First Muslim and South Asian mayor
• Focus: Affordable housing, public transport, working-class issues

Polymarket’s prediction of a 92% win probability was remarkably accurate.

Why Fusion Voting Matters

Fusion voting, practiced for over a century in New York, allows minor parties to cross-endorse candidates. This strengthens democratic participation by giving smaller parties a voice and helping candidates reach broader constituencies.

• Impact: Encourages coalition-building
• Result: Votes from multiple lines count toward the same candidate

Musk’s tweet inadvertently highlighted the system that contributed to Mamdani’s win.

FAQs

Q1: Can a candidate really win twice?
A1: No. Votes from multiple ballot lines are summed for the same candidate. “Winning twice” is a joke.

Q2: Is fusion voting legal?
A2: Yes. It has been legal in New York for over 100 years.

Q3: Why did Elon Musk tweet this?
A3: He used sarcasm and humor to comment on the unusual appearance of a candidate on multiple ballot lines.

Q4: Who is Zohran Mamdani?
A4: A 34-year-old democratic socialist, first Muslim and South Asian NYC mayor, focusing on progressive urban policies.

Conclusion

Elon Musk’s single, seemingly harmless tweet managed to captivate millions, but it also underscored the complexities of New York’s democratic system. The real story isn’t Musk’s joke—it’s Zohran Mamdani’s historic victory, fusion voting’s role in amplifying minor-party influence, and the engagement of a new generation of voters in America’s largest city.

In a world obsessed with memes and virality, this election reminds us that profound political change often lies beneath the surface of what initially appears humorous. NYC has not just elected a new mayor; it has illustrated how innovative political structures and civic engagement intersect with the digital age, providing lessons for voters, politicians, and social media observers alike.