Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old state legislator and democratic socialist, declared victory in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary late Tuesday night. His lead prompted former Governor Andrew Cuomo to concede, marking a major upset in a race that has drawn national attention.
“I will be your Democratic nominee for the mayor of New York City,” Mamdani told supporters. “Tonight, we made history.”
Cuomo, once seen as the frontrunner, confirmed he had congratulated Mamdani. “Tonight is his night. He deserved it. He won,” Cuomo said.
According to unofficial results from the New York City Board of Elections, Mamdani secured 43.5% of first-choice votes, while Cuomo trailed with 36.3%. Final results will be announced after ranked-choice voting concludes on 1 July.
Ranked-choice voting could seal the outcome
New York City’s ranked-choice system allows voters to rank up to five candidates. Mamdani’s campaign benefited from cross-endorsements, including one with Brad Lander, who placed third.
The Board of Elections confirmed Mamdani was marked as a second choice by significantly more voters than Cuomo. More than 200,000 voters listed only a first choice, which could favour Mamdani if his support proves deep enough to surpass the 50% threshold without redistribution.
Ballot processing will continue until 14 July, the deadline for corrected absentee ballots.
Cuomo’s return derailed by past scandals
Cuomo, 67, attempted a political comeback nearly four years after resigning as governor amid sexual harassment allegations. Though he maintained he had not intentionally harassed anyone, a state report concluded that he had done so with at least 11 women.
His campaign leaned heavily on name recognition, deep political ties, and a $25 million super PAC. Still, those assets proved insufficient against a younger opponent energised by grassroots support and a clear progressive agenda.
A progressive campaign gains ground
Mamdani’s campaign focused on housing, childcare, public transport, and economic inequality. He proposed new taxes on the wealthy to fund services such as free buses and free childcare.
His campaign earned endorsements from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders. Supporters noted Mamdani’s visibility on social media and in neighbourhood canvassing.
“It feels very electric seeing all the people around, the flyers, all the posts on my Instagram all day,” said Amani Kojo, a 23-year-old voter in Central Brooklyn.
A divided party, a defining contest
The primary pitted two ideological wings of the Democratic Party against each other. Cuomo represented a more centrist legacy, while Mamdani’s campaign became a rallying point for progressives.
Cuomo accused Mamdani of lacking the managerial experience to govern the city and questioned his ability to confront a second-term Trump presidency. In response, Mamdani said: “To Mr. Cuomo, I have never had to resign in disgrace.”
Cuomo has not ruled out a run in the general election. “We are going to take a look and make some decisions,” he said.
Adams bypasses primary, faces fall showdown
Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams did not contest the Democratic primary. He will run as an independent following controversy over a federal corruption investigation that was later dropped. Republican Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, will also be on the general election ballot.
Borough and council results: Little change
In borough president contests, incumbents largely retained their seats.
All 51 City Council seats were up for grabs. Highlights included:
Until then, the city — and the nation — waits to see if a 33-year-old progressive lawmaker will go on to become New York’s first Muslim and Indian American mayor.
“I will be your Democratic nominee for the mayor of New York City,” Mamdani told supporters. “Tonight, we made history.”
Cuomo, once seen as the frontrunner, confirmed he had congratulated Mamdani. “Tonight is his night. He deserved it. He won,” Cuomo said.
According to unofficial results from the New York City Board of Elections, Mamdani secured 43.5% of first-choice votes, while Cuomo trailed with 36.3%. Final results will be announced after ranked-choice voting concludes on 1 July.
Ranked-choice voting could seal the outcome
New York City’s ranked-choice system allows voters to rank up to five candidates. Mamdani’s campaign benefited from cross-endorsements, including one with Brad Lander, who placed third.
The Board of Elections confirmed Mamdani was marked as a second choice by significantly more voters than Cuomo. More than 200,000 voters listed only a first choice, which could favour Mamdani if his support proves deep enough to surpass the 50% threshold without redistribution.
Ballot processing will continue until 14 July, the deadline for corrected absentee ballots.
Cuomo’s return derailed by past scandals
Cuomo, 67, attempted a political comeback nearly four years after resigning as governor amid sexual harassment allegations. Though he maintained he had not intentionally harassed anyone, a state report concluded that he had done so with at least 11 women.
His campaign leaned heavily on name recognition, deep political ties, and a $25 million super PAC. Still, those assets proved insufficient against a younger opponent energised by grassroots support and a clear progressive agenda.
A progressive campaign gains ground
Mamdani’s campaign focused on housing, childcare, public transport, and economic inequality. He proposed new taxes on the wealthy to fund services such as free buses and free childcare.
His campaign earned endorsements from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders. Supporters noted Mamdani’s visibility on social media and in neighbourhood canvassing.
“It feels very electric seeing all the people around, the flyers, all the posts on my Instagram all day,” said Amani Kojo, a 23-year-old voter in Central Brooklyn.
A divided party, a defining contest
The primary pitted two ideological wings of the Democratic Party against each other. Cuomo represented a more centrist legacy, while Mamdani’s campaign became a rallying point for progressives.
Cuomo accused Mamdani of lacking the managerial experience to govern the city and questioned his ability to confront a second-term Trump presidency. In response, Mamdani said: “To Mr. Cuomo, I have never had to resign in disgrace.”
Cuomo has not ruled out a run in the general election. “We are going to take a look and make some decisions,” he said.
Adams bypasses primary, faces fall showdown
Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams did not contest the Democratic primary. He will run as an independent following controversy over a federal corruption investigation that was later dropped. Republican Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, will also be on the general election ballot.
Borough and council results: Little change
In borough president contests, incumbents largely retained their seats.
- In The Bronx, Vanessa Gibson defeated Councilmember Rafael Salamanca.
- Antonio Reynoso won in Brooklyn over Khari Edwards.
- In Manhattan, Brad Hoylman-Sigal beat Keith Powers.
- For district attorneys, Eric Gonzalez in Brooklyn and Alvin Bragg in Manhattan retained their posts. These races did not use ranked-choice voting.
All 51 City Council seats were up for grabs. Highlights included:
- In Brooklyn, Shahana Hanif beat Maya Kornberg, and Alexa Aviles defeated Ling Ye.
- Chris Marte led the Manhattan race over Elizabeth Lewinsohn and Jess Coleman.
- In The Bronx, Pierina Sanchez defeated Fernando Cabrera.
Until then, the city — and the nation — waits to see if a 33-year-old progressive lawmaker will go on to become New York’s first Muslim and Indian American mayor.
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