Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist and state assemblyman from Queens, declared victory Tuesday night, June 24, in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary. With 93% of scanners reporting, Mamdani held 43.5% of first-round ballots, ahead of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s 36.4%, according to unofficial results.
Although ranked-choice tabulations will continue through July 1, Cuomo conceded, telling supporters he called Mamdani to congratulate him.
Mamdani, supported by progressive leaders including U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, energized younger voters through a campaign focused on affordability, public housing, rent control and higher taxes on billionaires. His campaign reported nearly 50,000 volunteers who knocked on over 1 million doors.
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How did Cuomo fall behind?
Cuomo entered the race in March as the frontrunner, buoyed by name recognition and a message of experience and competence. He secured endorsements from prominent Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton and former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg, who contributed heavily to a super PAC supporting him
Cuomo led early polls, but his support plateaued as Mamdani’s grassroots campaign surged. His political comeback faced obstacles, including the 2021 sexual harassment scandal that forced his resignation, criticism of his pandemic response and fiscal decisions that alienated some city voters.
What role did ranked-choice voting play?
With no candidate winning an outright majority, ranked-choice counting will now redistribute votes from eliminated candidates. Comptroller Brad Lander, who finished third with 11.3%, had cross-endorsed Mamdani, likely strengthening Mamdani’s advantage heading into the final tally. Adrienne Adams finished fourth with 4.1%.
What happens in November?
The general election will feature multiple candidates. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams is running on an independent line, joined by Republican Curtis Sliwa and independent Jim Walden. Cuomo has qualified for the ballot under an independent line but has not confirmed whether he will continue his campaign.
If elected, Mamdani would become New York’s first Muslim and Asian American mayor.
