New York Mayoral Election: Zohrab Mamdani makes History in Primary

In a stunning turn of event in New York City (NYC) politics, former New York governor Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday (25 June) conceded NYC's Democratic mayoral primary election to Zohran Mamdani, who won 44 per cent of the vote with over 90 per cent of ballots counted.

Mamdani declared victory in the Democratic mayoral primary late Tuesday (24 June) night after securing 44 per cent of first-choice votes, well ahead of former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who trailed at 36 per cent.

The announcement came even as the city’s ranked-choice voting process is still underway, with final results not due until July.

Though no candidate crossed the 50 per cent threshold required for an outright win, Mamdani addressed an elated crowd just after midnight, proclaiming, “Tonight, we made history,” and adding, “I will be your Democratic nominee for the mayor of New York City.”

Cuomo, who earlier in the evening acknowledged Mamdani’s momentum, conceded the race, telling supporters, “Tonight was not our night; tonight was Assemblyman Mamdani's night… He deserved it. He won.”

In a surprise follow-up, Cuomo’s campaign hinted at the possibility of an independent run, noting he was “looking toward November.” Mamdani’s surge to the top was powered by grassroots enthusiasm, a robust social media campaign, and strong support from young voters.

A member of the Democratic Socialists of America, Mamdani ran on a bold progressive platform, advocating for rent freezes and fare-free public transit. If elected in November, Mamdani would become New York City’s first Muslim mayor and the youngest in a century.

Despite Cuomo’s concession, the primary will proceed with ranked-choice tabulations beginning 1 July. The Board of Elections is expected to certify the final result by 15 July.

Nearly one million New Yorkers cast ballots in the primary, echoing the high engagement seen in the city’s last mayoral race in 2021. In heavily Democratic New York, the primary victor is typically favoured in the general election.