Andrew Cuomo concedes to Zohran Mamdani in NYC mayoral primary
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Zohran Mamdani Wins Democratic Primary For New York City Mayoral Polls, Defeats Former NY Governor Cuomo
Former New York governor Andrew Cuomo conceded NYC’s Democratic mayoral primary election to Zohran Mamdani, who won 44 per cent of the vote. The announcement came even as the city’s ranked-choice voting process is still underway, with final results not due until July. If elected in November, Mamdhani would become New York City’’s first Muslim mayor and the youngest in a century.Nearly one million New Yorkers cast ballots in the primary, echoing the high engagement seen in the city’s last mayoral race in 2021.
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, according to ABC News.
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.
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My friends, it’s done: Zohran Mamdani declares win in New York mayoral primary
Zohran Mamdani, son of award-winning Indian-American filmmaker Mira Nair, wins Democratic mayoral primary in New York City. The 33-year-old Democratic socialist member of the state assembly emerged victorious after his rival, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, conceded. He is expected to be the favourite in the November general election in the city, a stronghold of the Democrats. The current Mayor, Eric Adams, will also appear on the ballot as an independent. The Republican candidate is Curtis Sliwa, popularly known as the founder of the Guardian Angels anti-crime patrol, whom Adams defeated in 2021 polls. The final outcome, however, will not be available until next week owing to New York’s ranked-choice system that permits citizens to choose up to five candidates in order of preference. In his remarks, he slammed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for plotting the 2002 Gujarat riots, calling him a “war criminal” In his parents – Mira and Mahmood – he is a Muslim, and his father is a Gujarati.
The 33-year-old Democratic socialist member of the state assembly emerged victorious after his rival, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, conceded. Mamdani had already begun to pull ahead with approximately over 80 per cent of ballots counted.
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Mamdani invoked the great Nelson Mandela as he acknowledged his win on X. “In the words of Nelson Mandela: it always seems impossible until it’s done. My friends, it is done. And you are the ones who did it. I am honoured to be your Democratic nominee for Mayor of New York City,” he tweeted.
The 33-year-old entered the Democratic campaign virtually as an unknown. Even so, he was ahead of Cuomo by 43.5 per cent to 36.4 per cent of around 95 per cent of ballot scanners reporting, according to NYC’s elections board.
“Tonight is his night,” a dejected Cuomo said, after conceding to Mamdani.
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The former Governor was seeking a political comeback four years after quitting over sexual harassment allegations. Cuomo said he called Mamdani to congratulate him. He has denied the allegations after labelling them as ill-conceived attempts to be humorous or affectionate.
Mamdani promised to reject US President Donald Trump’s policies and to govern New York City “as a model for the Democratic Party”. In his speech, he also highlighted the “vision of every New Yorker” as he acknowledged his win.
The final outcome, however, will not be available until next week owing to New York’s ranked-choice system that permits citizens to choose up to five candidates in order of preference.
MAMDANI’S ENERGY DEFEATS CUOMO’S EXPERIENCE
If elected, Mamdani would be New York City’s first Muslim and Indian-American Mayor. Born in Uganda, the 33-year-old’s campaign gained traction as he focused on the city’s high-cost living, and even received endorsements from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders – two of America’s leading progressive personalities.
Soon after the news of Mamdani’s win broke, Sanders was quick to congratulate the Democrat. “You took on the political, economic and media establishment – and you beat them. Now, it’s on to victory in the general election,” the US Senator from Vermont tweeted.
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Mamdani’s interviews have been viral on social media, and so were posters of his grinning mug that took over shop windows. The Democrat’s vision pitching for free childcare, new flats, and free buses, among others, flooded social media. The vibe was visible among his supporters on Wednesday, who surrounded the 33-year-old with cameras in their hands as he addressed them with the familiar smile.
His mammoth lead over other Democratic contenders was seen as an indication the Democrats believe the party should take, following the loss to Republican Trump. The distinction was: the deeply experienced Cuomo or the progressive newcomer Mamdani, who came with a freshness.
Mamdani is expected to be the favourite in the November general election in New York City, a stronghold of the Democrats. The current Mayor, Eric Adams, will also appear on the ballot as an independent. The Republican candidate is Curtis Sliwa, a radio host, popularly known as the founder of the Guardian Angels anti-crime patrol, whom Adams defeated in 2021 polls.
MAMDANI’S REMARKS ON PM MODI, NETANYAHU
Known for his pro-Palestine stance and activism, he has been vocal regarding his stance on Israel and has been accused several times of spreading “hate”.
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During a mayoral forum in May, Mamdani was asked if he would attend a rally at the iconic Madison Square Garden if Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held the same, and he answered in the negative. In his remarks, he slammed PM Modi for plotting the 2002 Gujarat riots, calling him a “war criminal”.
Both of Mamdani’s parents – Mira Nair and Mahmood Mamdani – were born in India, and his father is a Gujarati Muslim. In 2022, the Supreme Court gave PM Modi a clean chit in the riots case.
The 33-year-old also called out Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during yet another public appearance. Mamdani said that if Netanyahu ever set foot in the Big Apple, and he was the mayor, he would order the New York Police Department (NYPD) to arrest him.
– Ends
(With inputs from Reuters and AP)
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/06/25/zohran-mamdani-new-york-city-primary-election-cuomo-concedes