Progressive Mamdani Upsets Cuomo in Historic NYC Primary/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. mansour/ Morning EditionZohran Mamdani declared victory in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary after Andrew Cuomo conceded. The 33-year-old progressive led in first-choice votes and is poised to become the nominee. Mamdani will face Eric Adams and Curtis Sliwa in the November general election.
Zohran Mamdani Defeats Cuomo in NYC Democratic Primary: Quick Looks
- Zohran Mamdani led with around 43.5% of first-choice votes, while Andrew Cuomo trailed at 36.4%.
- Cuomo conceded shortly after polls closed, acknowledging Mamdani’s strong showing and momentum.
- Mamdani, a state Assembly member, would become New York City’s first Muslim and Indian-American mayor.
- His grassroots campaign focused on housing, public transit, childcare, and taxing the wealthy.
- Progressive leaders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders backed Mamdani.
- Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams will run as an independent; Republican Curtis Sliwa is also on the ballot.
Progressive Mamdani Upsets Cuomo in Historic NYC Primary
Deep Look
NEW YORK — June 25, 2025 — In a surprise political upset, Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old progressive state Assembly member, declared victory in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary after former Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded defeat.
Though the final outcome will be determined through the city’s ranked-choice voting system, Mamdani’s strong lead in first-choice votes makes him the likely nominee. With a campaign centered on affordability and community investment, Mamdani energized younger voters and tapped into the frustrations of New Yorkers seeking bold change.
Mamdani’s campaign, powered by volunteers and grassroots energy, sharply contrasted Cuomo’s traditional, money-driven effort. The former governor, who entered the race aiming for a political comeback, fell short despite high-profile endorsements and deep-pocketed support. His past controversies, including a sexual harassment scandal and scrutiny over his pandemic leadership, lingered in voters’ minds.
If elected in November, Mamdani would become New York City’s first Muslim and Indian-American mayor. His platform—free child care, fare-free buses, a higher minimum wage, and taxing the wealthy—resonated with progressives and young voters.
The ranked-choice vote count still remains, but early data shows Mamdani not only led first-choice preferences but also received significantly more second-choice rankings than Cuomo. More than 200,000 ballots only listed a single candidate, likely bolstering Mamdani’s majority.
Cuomo, acknowledging the tough math, conceded the race Tuesday night and congratulated Mamdani, though he left open the possibility of running in the general election as an independent.
“We are going to take a look and make some decisions,” he said.
The Democratic primary outcome sets the stage for a three-way race in November. Mamdani will face incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent amid a cloud of corruption allegations, and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
While some Democrats criticized Mamdani’s lack of executive experience and his views on foreign policy, especially his vocal support for Palestinian rights, his supporters say his campaign reflects a genuine shift in what city voters want: energetic leadership rooted in community accountability and economic fairness.
Celebrations across Brooklyn and Queens reflected the campaign’s youth-driven support base, with canvassers and first-time voters taking to the streets in celebration.
“New York City feels alive again,” said one young voter as campaign posters and iced tea flowed through the summer heat.
With ranked-choice redistribution still ahead, Mamdani’s early momentum has made him the clear favorite to become the Democratic nominee in what could be a defining election for the city’s future.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.