New York, June 25, 2025: In a stunning political upset, 33-year-old state lawmaker Zohran Mamdani is on course to become New York City’s first Muslim mayor, leading the Democratic primary with a commanding margin over former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
With nearly 95% of ballot scanners reporting, Mamdani held a 43.5% to 36.4% lead over Cuomo, according to the New York City Board of Elections. Though the official results will not be certified until the ranked-choice voting process concludes next week, Mamdani’s lead appears too substantial to overcome, especially as City Comptroller Brad Lander, who finished third with 11.6%, had encouraged his supporters to rank Mamdani second.
Cuomo, 67, conceded the race Tuesday night, telling supporters: “Tonight is his night,” and confirmed he had called Mamdani to offer congratulations.
Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, represents Queens in the New York State Assembly and entered the mayoral race as a relative unknown. His rise was fueled by grassroots energy and endorsements from progressive heavyweights such as Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
In a jubilant message posted to X (formerly Twitter), Mamdani wrote:
“My friends, it is done. And you are the ones who did it. I am honoured to be your Democratic nominee for the mayor of New York City.”
The primary contest served as a clear referendum on the Democratic Party’s direction during President Donald Trump’s second term, pitting Cuomo’s centrist, establishment credentials against Mamdani’s call for transformative, progressive change.
Cuomo had hoped for a political comeback four years after resigning amid multiple sexual harassment allegations—accusations he denies and has dismissed as misinterpreted displays of affection. Despite endorsements from establishment figures such as former President Bill Clinton and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Cuomo could not overcome lingering public distrust.
Mamdani’s campaign resonated with voters seeking a clean break from the past.
“I think it’s time for somebody young, a person of colour, something different,” said 28-year-old actor Ignacio Tambunting after casting his vote for Mamdani in Manhattan.
“No. God, no,” responded Queens resident Leah Johanson when asked if she voted for Cuomo. “I’m not gonna vote for a man who is credibly accused of molesting women.”
Born in Uganda to a family of Indian descent, Mamdani is a vocal pro-Palestinian activist and would become the first Muslim mayor of New York City. His win would mark a generational and cultural shift in one of the world’s most diverse cities.
In contrast, the current mayor, Eric Adams, will appear on the general election ballot in November as an independent. Adams’ popularity has plummeted due to ongoing corruption investigations and his perceived proximity to Trump.
The Republican nominee is Curtis Sliwa, a radio host and founder of the Guardian Angels crime patrol, who was defeated by Adams in the 2021 mayoral race.
New York City’s ranked-choice voting system allows voters to select up to five candidates in order of preference. As the lowest-ranked candidates are eliminated, their votes are redistributed based on second and third preferences. Given the progressive alliance between Mamdani and Lander, political analysts expect Mamdani to further extend his lead in the final tally.
Barring a dramatic reversal, Mamdani is poised not only to win the Democratic nomination but also to become the presumptive favourite in the general election this November in a heavily Democratic city.
