Zohran Mamdani, the state Assembly member and 33-year-old democratic socialist, looks set to emerge as the Democratic candidate in New York City's mayoral election after taking a commanding lead in Tuesday night's primary tally.
Andrew Cuomo conceded as Mamdani moved ahead with an estimated 80% of the votes counted — even though the actual result still depends on a ranked-choice count, as neither of them took a majority outright.
Cuomo, 67, spoke to supporters with a mixture of resignation, nodding in acknowledgment of his likely defeat. "Tonight is his night," Cuomo said. "We are going to take a look and make some decisions."
If the lead remains, Mamdani would be the first Indian-American to hold the office of mayor of New York City — and the first Muslim to do so — a milestone moment for the nation's largest city.
C'uomo's candidacy represented a return to politics after his 2021 resignation over sexual harassment charges. Democratic incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, also beset by scandal, skipped the Democratic primary and is running independently in the November general election.
This primary has become a bellwether for the ideological direction of the Democratic Party under President Donald Trump’s second term. Cuomo entered as the presumed frontrunner, backed by years of executive experience, name recognition, and a formidable fundraising network. But Mamdani’s rise — powered by grassroots energy and a progressive agenda — gradually shifted momentum in his favor.
Focusing on the city's skyrocketing cost of living, Mamdani won support from liberal leaders like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders. He fired up young voters with a radical agenda of free public buses, universal childcare, more affordable housing, and an increased minimum wage — all funded by taxing the rich at higher rates.
In the meantime, Adams' independent run comes on the heels of public outcry over his corruption charge — a case subsequently abandoned by the Trump administration's Department of Justice. Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, Guardian Angels founder, and Cuomo, who has not said no to running as an independent, will also run in the general election.
For some, the rivalry between Cuomo and Mamdani has stood in as a proxy for the larger struggle within the Democratic Party — establishment pragmatism versus progressive reform. Cuomo's own history, marred by scandal, complicated that further.
Other Democratic hopefuls, including City Comptroller Brad Lander, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, State Senator Zellnor Myrie, former Comptroller Scott Stringer, and hedge fund executive Whitney Tilson, failed to gain substantial traction in a race where Mamdani’s bold, youth-driven campaign dominated the conversation.
Lander made headlines just last week after being arrested while defending an immigrant from federal agents — an act of protest that briefly reignited attention on his candidacy.
Mamdani’s campaign was omnipresent. His supporters, mostly young and diverse, canvassed tirelessly across boroughs, and his image — often smiling — adorned storefronts and social media feeds. From campaign videos to voter outreach, his effort conveyed energy and clarity of message.
On Central Brooklyn election night, that fervor was real. Streets were filled with supporters, polls were crowded, and a party mood soaked into surrounding neighborhoods. Amani Kojo, 23, a first-time voter distributing iced tea to volunteers, put it best: "It's 100 degrees outside and it's a vibe. New York City feels alive again."
But the campaign wasn't without its combative moments. Cuomo and other critics called Mamdani inexperienced and ill-equipped to handle the city's complicated bureaucracy. They also assailed his vocal defense of Palestinian rights.
During one of their notable exchange debates, Cuomo ticked off a list of perceived shortcomings, from Mamdani's short record of governing experience and unfamiliarity with congressional or union negotiations. "He's never overseen an infrastructure project. He can't match Trump," Cuomo contended.
Mamdani shot back pointedly: "To Mr. Cuomo, I have never had to resign in disgrace.
Cuomo resigned in 2021 following a state attorney general's report that said he sexually harassed several women — charges he still denies. He has since rewritten the incident as a politically motivated vendetta.
While the final ranked-choice tally may take days, Mamdani’s commanding lead has cast him as the likely Democratic nominee — setting the stage for a showdown against Adams and Sliwa in the fall, and perhaps Cuomo, should he pursue an independent bid.
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