Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic Socialist member of the state Assembly, holds a significant lead over former Governor Andrew Cuomo in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary.
Though the final outcome hinges on a ranked-choice tabulation, a triumphant Cuomo concession less than two hours after polls closed Tuesday night has effectively declared Mamdani the victor of the initial count, leaving the young liberal poised for a stunning upset.
Cuomo, attempting a political comeback following a sexual harassment scandal that led to his resignation as governor in 2021, acknowledged Mamdani’s strong performance. “Tonight is his night. He deserved it. He won,” Cuomo told his supporters, having called Mamdani to congratulate him.
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With approximately 90% of ballots counted, Mamdani’s substantial lead in first-choice votes, coupled with a strong showing in second-place rankings, has narrowed Cuomo’s path to catch up as the ranked-choice counting begins. New York City’s ranked-choice voting system allows voters to rank up to five candidates in order of preference. If no candidate receives over 50% of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed to the voters’ next preferred choice. This process continues until one candidate secures a majority.
The energy among Mamdani’s supporters was palpable as news of Cuomo’s concession broke, erupting into a chorus of “Na Na Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye.” The mood reflected a widespread sentiment that this primary represented a significant shift in New York City politics.
Mamdani’s campaign platform has focused heavily on affordability, including proposals for rent freezes on rent-stabilized units, free city buses, public childcare, and city-owned grocery stores. He has also advocated for increased taxes on corporations and high-income earners to fund these initiatives.
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“Zohran Mamdani has shaken the political establishment and proven that a united grassroots movement can take down even the most entrenched, powerful forces,” said Joseph Geevarghese, Executive Director of Our Revolution. “This race was a showdown between the billionaire-backed status quo—which poured tens of millions into pro-Cuomo super PACs—and a new generation ready to crush corporate greed and deliver real results for working people. The demand for people-powered change is loud, clear, and unstoppable.”
Should Mamdani ultimately be declared the winner after the full ranked-choice tabulation, he would make history as the city’s first Muslim and Indian American mayor. His ascendance marks a notable moment for progressive politics in a city grappling with high costs of living and a desire for new leadership.
Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams notably bypassed the Democratic primary, opting to run as an independent in the general election. Cuomo also retains the option of running in the general election, though his concession in the primary suggests a retreat from the mayoral race for now.
The full impact of this primary on the general election, and the future political landscape of New York City, remains to be seen as the ranked-choice count proceeds.
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