Zohran Mamdani Wins NYC Democratic Primary, Andrew Cuomo, Who Leads in First-Choice Votes, Concedes.

The progressive state lawmaker surged from relative obscurity to become the main foil to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo's comeback bid in the Democratic primary.

New York City mayoral candidates Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo.Bloomberg; Getty Images

In a stunning upset that marks a dramatic shift in New York City politics, progressive State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani has emerged as the leader in the first-choice vote count in the Democratic mayoral primary, effectively halting former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s attempted political comeback.

While ranked-choice tabulations are still pending and no candidate has yet officially clinched a majority, Mamdani's lead proved convincing enough that Cuomo conceded late Tuesday night, praising Mamdani’s campaign and signaling a possible end to his bid—though he left the door open to an independent run in the general election.

A Progressive Surge from Queens

Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist representing Queens in the New York State Assembly, galvanized support in the final weeks of the campaign by promoting an unapologetically leftist vision for the city. His platform included rent freezes, free city buses, city-run grocery stores with price caps, and increased taxes on the wealthy to fund public services.

Late-night walks through Manhattan, direct-to-camera video messaging, and relentless grassroots organizing helped turn Mamdani from a relative unknown into the progressive standard-bearer. He positioned himself not just against Cuomo, but as the voice of a broader movement demanding transformative change in the nation’s largest city.

Mamdani ended primary night with about 44% of first-choice votes, compared to Cuomo’s 36%.

A Movement-Driven Campaign

Speaking to an electrified crowd of supporters early Wednesday morning, Mamdani quoted Nelson Mandela and cast his campaign as part of a working-class uprising to reshape what leadership in New York can look like.

“New Yorkers deserve a city where they can do more than struggle—a city where those who toil in the night can enjoy the fruits of their labor in the day,” Mamdani said. “We are building a city where hard work is met with stability, dignity, and joy.”

He tied his candidacy to a broader ideological mission, saying his mayoralty would become “a model for the Democratic Party” at a time when the nation faces a second term under President Donald Trump.

“The mayor of New York must reject Trump’s fascism, stop ICE agents from tearing apart our communities, and govern this city as an unapologetic champion of working people,” Mamdani said.

Cuomo Concedes—But Leaves a Door Open

Despite no official result, Cuomo took to the stage to acknowledge Mamdani’s lead and conceded defeat in the primary.

“Tonight was not our night,” Cuomo said. “Tonight belongs to Assemblyman Mamdani. He put together a great campaign. He inspired young people, moved them to act, and got them to the polls.”

The crowd of Cuomo supporters responded with applause, even as the former governor offered no definitive answer about whether he’d run as an independent in the general election. Cuomo has already created a third-party line, preserving the option should he choose to continue.

Regardless, the Democratic nominee—likely Mamdani—will face incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is seeking re-election as an independent after federal corruption charges were dropped. Republican perennial candidate Curtis Sliwa will also be on the general election ballot.

"Don’t Rank Cuomo"

Mamdani’s path to the top of the primary field was aided by a progressive coalition united not only in support of his candidacy but in opposition to Cuomo’s return. The rallying cry of “Don’t rank Cuomo” became a major theme among Mamdani’s allies and helped consolidate support in a crowded ranked-choice field.

Crucial to Mamdani’s success were cross-endorsements from other progressive candidates, including City Comptroller Brad Lander and former DNC vice chair Michael Blake. These alliances helped shape strategic ranked-choice messaging, encouraging voters to rank each other while sidelining Cuomo entirely.

Lander, who was recently arrested while advocating in immigration court, was the only other candidate polling near double digits. His decision to endorse Mamdani and stand by him amid controversy may prove decisive if ranked-choice reallocations favor Mamdani in the end.

From Queens to the Cusp of City Hall

Born in Uganda and raised in New York City, Mamdani is the son of an academic and a filmmaker. After attending Bowdoin College in Maine, he returned to Queens to work as a foreclosure prevention counselor. He became a U.S. citizen in 2018 and was elected to the State Assembly in 2020 with the backing of the Democratic Socialists of America, defeating an entrenched Democrat.

Mamdani’s rapid rise has been defined by his alignment with high-profile progressives like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sen. Bernie Sanders, and the New York Working Families Party. He embraced the democratic socialist label and called for a city that “puts working people first.”

His surge also made him the central target of Cuomo’s campaign and its powerful allies. Cuomo’s team cast Mamdani as too radical, pointing to his support for reimagining the NYPD and his refusal to denounce the controversial slogan “globalize the intifada” in a podcast interview.

Defending His Values

The backlash was swift and intense. Cuomo allies, including prominent Jewish leaders and institutions like the Anti-Defamation League, accused Mamdani of antisemitism. At an emotional news conference, Mamdani responded.

“It pains me to be called an antisemite,” he said, visibly shaken. “I know the love and solidarity I share with Jewish New Yorkers. I know what it feels like to be threatened because of my faith. And I know when that pain is being exploited to silence voices standing up for Palestinian human rights.”

He added, “To those calling me a beast or worse—I am a New Yorker, and I deserve to be heard and seen in full.”

Cuomo’s Unfinished Comeback

Cuomo, once the dominant figure in New York politics, sought to use the mayoral race as a redemption arc following his 2021 resignation amid multiple sexual harassment allegations and a damning report on nursing home deaths during the pandemic.

He leaned on establishment support from figures like former Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Rep. Gregory Meeks. A super PAC bankrolled by Bloomberg with $8.5 million flooded the airwaves with ads touting Cuomo’s experience and leadership.

But that experience also became an albatross. In debates, Cuomo repeatedly attacked Mamdani as inexperienced, claiming he couldn't handle leading a workforce of 300,000 employees.

Mamdani didn’t flinch.

“To Mr. Cuomo: I’ve never resigned in disgrace. I’ve never cut Medicaid. I’ve never hounded 13 women who credibly accused me of harassment,” Mamdani declared in a heated debate hosted by NY1.

Then, spelling his name slowly and clearly, Mamdani said, “It’s Mamdani—M-A-M-D-A-N-I. You should learn how to say it, because we’re going to get it right.”

What Comes Next

New York City’s ranked-choice voting system allows voters to rank up to five candidates. If no one secures a majority in the first round, votes for the lowest-performing candidates are redistributed until a winner emerges. The city’s Board of Elections expects to release the first round of reallocations next Tuesday.

If Mamdani’s lead holds through the process, he will likely face Adams and Sliwa in the general election this November.

Still, even in provisional victory, Mamdani was measured, acknowledging the contentious road ahead.

“This primary was historic and hard-fought,” he told supporters. “Now, I want to reintroduce myself—not as an ad, not as a slogan, but as your next mayor, ready to fight with you and for you.”