Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old state legislator and self-described democratic socialist, was on track Tuesday to pull off a stunning upset in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary, leading former Governor Andrew Cuomo by a wide margin.
Cuomo, 67, who was attempting a political comeback four years after resigning amid multiple sexual harassment allegations, conceded the race after preliminary results showed Mamdani ahead.
“I called Zohran to congratulate him—tonight is his night,” Cuomo told a subdued crowd of supporters.
With nearly 95% of ballot scanners reporting, Mamdani led Cuomo 43.5% to 36.4%, according to the city’s Board of Elections. The remaining nine Democratic candidates were far behind.
While final results won’t be certified until next week due to New York’s ranked-choice voting system—which allows voters to rank up to five candidates—the size of Mamdani’s lead appears insurmountable. City Comptroller Brad Lander, who finished third, had urged his supporters to rank Mamdani as their second choice, further solidifying his advantage.
The primary was widely viewed as a referendum on the future direction of the Democratic Party, just five months into Republican President Donald Trump’s controversial second term. The contrast between candidates was stark: Cuomo, a moderate with deep establishment ties and a decade-long gubernatorial record, versus Mamdani, a progressive newcomer calling for bold change.
Mamdani is now seen as the frontrunner for November’s general election in heavily Democratic New York City. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams will also appear on the ballot, running as an independent after being weakened by corruption scandals and his perceived alignment with Trump. The Republican nominee, Curtis Sliwa—a radio host and founder of the Guardian Angels anti-crime patrol—previously lost to Adams in 2021.
For many voters, Mamdani’s candidacy symbolized a generational and ideological shift.
“It’s time for someone young, a person of color, something different,” said Ignacio Tambunting, 28, an actor who voted for Mamdani in Manhattan.
Another voter, Leah Johanson, 39, cast her ballot in Mamdani’s favor in Queens—despite concerns he might be too liberal. She said she refused to consider Cuomo.
“No. God, no,” Johanson said. “I’m not going to vote for a man credibly accused of molesting women.”
Cuomo has denied all allegations, describing them as misinterpreted gestures meant to be humorous or affectionate.
