Zohran Mamdani wins NYC primary as Cuomo concedes defeat

Zohran Mamdani has declared victory in the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City after former Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded late Tuesday night. The result marks a historic political upset and paves the way for Mamdani to become the first Muslim and millennial mayor of the city.

According to preliminary ranked-choice voting results, Mamdani secured approximately 43 percent of the first-choice votes, while Cuomo trailed with around 36 percent. With additional rounds expected to favor Mamdani even further due to support from progressive voters and allies like city comptroller Brad Lander, the race was effectively sealed. Cuomo, acknowledging the outcome, called Mamdani’s campaign “smart, good, and impactful” and stated, “He won. He deserved it.”

Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist and member of the New York State Assembly, ran on a platform emphasizing rent freezes, publicly funded transit, and the creation of city-owned grocery stores. Backed by major progressive figures such as Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, he attracted a broad coalition of younger voters, working-class communities, and grassroots organizers.

Turnout in the primary exceeded expectations despite high summer temperatures, with more than one million ballots cast citywide. Analysts say that the ranked-choice system worked in Mamdani’s favor, especially as lower-ranked progressive candidates were eliminated and their votes redistributed.

While the general election will take place in November, Mamdani is considered the frontrunner in the overwhelmingly Democratic city. His main challengers include Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, independent candidate Jim Walden, and Eric Adams, who recently left the Democratic Party to run as an independent. Although some rumors suggest Cuomo may consider an independent run, his concession speech gave no indication of such plans.

If elected, Mamdani would not only make history demographically but also represent a dramatic ideological shift in city politics. His victory signals a growing influence of left-wing politics in New York and could influence broader national trends within the Democratic Party.

Final certified results from the Board of Elections are expected in early July. Until then, Mamdani’s team is already shifting its focus toward building a coalition for the general election, with a strategy centered on expanding turnout in immigrant and underserved communities.