Zohran Mamdani leads NYC Democratic mayoral primary in major upset over Andrew Cuomo
A stunning lead by Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary has upended expectations and sent shockwaves through the political establishment. The 33-year-old democratic socialist appears poised to claim a landmark victory over former Governor Andrew Cuomo, following a campaign defined by grassroots energy and progressive ideals.
'Zohran Mamdani.'
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With approximately 90% of ballots counted and no candidate reaching a majority, the final outcome will be determined by ranked choice voting. However, early results show Mamdani not only leading in first-choice votes but also dominating as the second-choice pick, severely limiting Cuomo’s chances of overtaking him.
The concession from Cuomo came swiftly—less than two hours after polls closed. “Tonight is his night. He deserved it. He won,” Cuomo said, acknowledging Mamdani’s unexpected success. The former governor, once seen as a dominant political force in New York, had hoped to reclaim relevance after resigning amid sexual harassment allegations in 2021.
Mamdani’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Once a little-known state legislator from Queens, he built a powerful grassroots movement centered on economic justice, housing affordability, and public services. His campaign drew major endorsements from progressive icons such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, energizing young voters across the five boroughs.
On Tuesday night, Mamdani’s supporters filled the streets of Central Brooklyn, erupting into chants of “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” upon hearing news of Cuomo’s concession. The atmosphere was electric. Posters of Mamdani’s smiling face dotted storefronts, and volunteers flooded neighborhoods with pamphlets promising free childcare, free buses, and a higher minimum wage—paid for by taxing the wealthy.
If elected, Mamdani would become New York City’s first Muslim and Indian American mayor, adding historic weight to a campaign already seen as symbolic of the Democratic Party’s ideological shift. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, under fire from a federal corruption investigation later dropped by the Justice Department, opted out of the Democratic primary and is instead running as an independent in November’s general election. Cuomo may still choose to appear on that ballot as an independent as well.
Cuomo's campaign, though well-funded and backed by decades of experience, was marred by public mistrust and controversy. Critics called him out of touch and morally unfit for office. He had painted Mamdani as inexperienced, citing his lack of executive experience, union negotiations, or major infrastructure oversight. During one televised debate, Cuomo warned voters that Mamdani couldn't stand up to the pressures of dealing with a second Trump presidency.
Mamdani’s response was direct: “To Mr. Cuomo, I have never had to resign in disgrace.”
The stark generational and ideological contrast between the two candidates turned the primary into a national proxy battle over the future of the Democratic Party. Cuomo represented an establishment wing tarnished by scandal, while Mamdani embodied a rising left energized by grassroots activism and disillusionment with status quo politics.
While other Democratic candidates struggled to gain traction, Mamdani’s campaign stood out for its energy and clarity. City Comptroller Brad Lander briefly captured headlines after his arrest at an immigration protest but failed to build broad momentum. Other contenders, including City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, State Senator Zellnor Myrie, and hedge fund executive Whitney Tilson, remained in the background as the Cuomo-Mamdani showdown took center stage.
Voter turnout, especially among younger New Yorkers and communities of color, was key to Mamdani’s surge. At polling sites across Brooklyn and Queens, volunteers handed out iced tea, Mamdani flyers, and energy bars. Social media buzzed with user-generated content supporting his platform and sharing campaign videos that highlighted his policies.
Still, Cuomo’s loyalists argue the fight isn’t over. “We’re going to take a look and make some decisions,” Cuomo said when asked whether he might still enter the general election as an independent.
The final ranked choice results will be certified in the coming days, but the primary has already made one fact clear: New York City’s political landscape is changing. Zohran Mamdani has shown that a clear, populist message backed by a relentless grassroots ground game can compete with—and potentially defeat—old-guard power players, even in the nation's largest city.
