In a stunning turn of events, progressive State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani has declared victory in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary after former Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded the race on the evening of Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The results mark a significant upset and a potential shift in the city's political landscape.
With a substantial lead in the initial vote count, the 33-year-old Democratic Socialist is now poised to become the Democratic nominee for mayor of the nation's largest city. While the official results of the ranked-choice voting are yet to be finalized, Cuomo's concession has paved a clear path for Mamdani.
In his victory speech to a jubilant crowd of supporters, Mamdani, an Indian-Ugandan American and a practicing Muslim, emphasized his campaign's focus on building a more equitable and affordable city for all New Yorkers. "This campaign was about a vision for a New York that works for the many, not the few," he declared. "A New York where our nurses, our teachers, our delivery workers can afford to live and thrive."
Throughout his campaign, Mamdani championed a progressive platform that included proposals for universal rent control, fare-free public transit, and increased investment in public housing and mental health services. His grassroots campaign mobilized a diverse coalition of young voters, working-class families, and progressive organizations.
The primary was largely seen as a referendum on the future of the Democratic Party in New York. Cuomo, a seasoned political figure who resigned from the governorship in 2021 amid a sexual harassment scandal, ran on a more moderate platform, emphasizing his experience and ability to manage the city's complex challenges. However, Mamdani's energetic and forward-looking campaign appeared to resonate more deeply with a significant portion of the Democratic electorate.
Prior to his mayoral run, Mamdani has served in the New York State Assembly since 2021, representing parts of Queens. During his time in Albany, he has been a vocal advocate for tenants' rights and has sponsored legislation aimed at addressing the city's housing crisis.
Controversy has not been absent from Mamdani's campaign. His outspoken criticism of Israeli government policies and his support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement have drawn criticism from some quarters. However, his supporters have defended his stance as a matter of principle and a commitment to human rights.
Looking ahead to the general election, Mamdani is expected to be the frontrunner in a city where registered Democrats overwhelmingly outnumber Republicans. His victory in the primary is being hailed by progressive leaders across the country as a significant win for the movement and a sign of its growing influence in mainstream American politics.
