Asger Risom
Zohran Mamdani is on track to win New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in a surprise upset. The 33-year-old state lawmaker declared victory Tuesday night, with Cuomo calling to concede.
Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist backed by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, led with 43.5% of the vote, ahead of Cuomo’s 36.4%, with 95% of scanners reporting.
The result positions Mamdani as the frontrunner in the November general election.
A historic candidacy
If elected, Mamdani would become the city’s first Muslim mayor.
Born in Uganda to a family of Indian descent, he has served in the state assembly and gained prominence for his pro-Palestinian activism and progressive platform.
“This is a city every New Yorker can afford,” Mamdani said during his victory speech.
He pledged to make New York a model for the Democratic Party and to resist President Donald Trump’s policies, as reported by Reuters.
Despite the use of ranked-choice voting, Mamdani’s lead is seen as insurmountable. Comptroller Brad Lander, who finished third, urged supporters to rank Mamdani second, likely strengthening his final tally.
Cuomo’s failed comeback
Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations, had hoped for a political revival.
He won backing from establishment figures like Bill Clinton and Michael Bloomberg but was unable to overcome voter resistance.
“I think it’s time for somebody young, a person of color, something different,” said voter Ignacio Tambunting in Manhattan.
Another voter in Queens cited the misconduct allegations as a reason for rejecting Cuomo.
The November election will pit Mamdani against Republican Curtis Sliwa and incumbent Eric Adams, who is running as an independent.
But in a heavily Democratic city, Mamdani’s primary victory may have already sealed his path to City Hall.
