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Zohran Mamdani Poised to Defeat Cuomo in NYC Mayoral Primary
Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani leads NYC mayoral primary in major upset over Cuomo—43.5% to 36.4% with 95% counted. Cuomo concedes, calls it “his night.” NYC may get its first Muslim mayor.
ND
by News Desk
2025-06-25
Zohran Mamdani Poised to Defeat Cuomo in NYC Mayoral Primary

In a historic and unexpected turn, 33-year-old Zohran Mamdani, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist, is set to win the Democratic mayoral primary in New York City, pulling ahead of former Governor Andrew Cuomo in a dramatic upset that reflects a changing political tide.

With 95% of ballot scanners reporting, Mamdani holds a 43.5% to 36.4% lead over Cuomo, who conceded the race Tuesday night, acknowledging Mamdani’s triumph and offering congratulations.

“Tonight is his night,” Cuomo said, four years after resigning amid sexual harassment allegations.

From State Assembly to Mayoral Frontrunner

Mamdani, born in Uganda to Indian parents and currently serving in the New York State Assembly from Queens, ran a campaign grounded in progressive, grassroots organizing, promising housing justice, police accountability, and pro-Palestinian solidarity.

If elected in November, Mamdani would become New York City's first Muslim mayor.

He received crucial endorsements from national progressive figures including Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and benefited from a coordinated ranked-choice strategy with third-place candidate Brad Lander, who had 11.6% of first-choice votes.

Mamdani and Lander urged their supporters to list the other as their second-choice, positioning Mamdani to gain even more ground in subsequent ranked-choice rounds.

Cuomo’s Failed Comeback

Cuomo, 67, had been attempting a political comeback despite ongoing backlash over his resignation and sexual misconduct allegations. While denying the accusations, he failed to overcome public skepticism and Mamdani’s rising popularity.

“No. God, no,” said Queens voter Leah Johanson when asked if she considered Cuomo. “I’m not gonna vote for a man who is credibly accused of molesting women.”

Cuomo had backing from establishment heavyweights like Bill Clinton and Michael Bloomberg, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Mamdani’s grassroots momentum.

November Showdown

Mamdani is now the presumptive favorite in November’s general election in a city where Democrats outnumber Republicans by a wide margin.

His main challengers will be:

·       Eric Adams, the sitting mayor, now running as an independent after being weakened by multiple corruption scandals and perceived ties to Trump.

·       Curtis Sliwa, the Republican nominee, a radio host and founder of the Guardian Angels, who lost to Adams in 2021.

For many voters, Mamdani’s candidacy signaled a generational and ideological shift.

“I think it’s time for somebody young, a person of colour, something different,” said 28-year-old Ignacio Tambunting, after casting his vote in Manhattan.

The final result will be certified next week after the ranked-choice vote rounds are completed, but Mamdani’s lead appears insurmountable, marking a significant victory for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party and a major blow to centrist politics in New York.

 
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