Andrew Cuomo Loses NYC Mayoral Primary to 33-Year-Old Socialist Candidate Zohran Mamdani

New York City voters have selected Zohran Mamdani, a self-described Muslim socialist and state assemblyman, as the Democratic nominee for mayor, delivering a surprising upset over former Governor Andrew Cuomo in Tuesday’s primary election, as reported by Newsmax.

With 95% of ballots counted, Mamdani led the crowded field with 43% of the vote, according to city election officials.

Though the race will proceed through the ranked-choice voting process, Mamdani’s lead appears substantial enough to secure the nomination barring a significant shift in ranked preferences.

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 honored to be your Democratic nominee for the Mayor of New York City. pic.twitter.com/AgW0Z30xw1

— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) June 25, 2025

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“Tonight we made history,” Mamdani told a crowd of supporters at his victory event. “We have won because New Yorkers have stood up for a city they can afford — a city where they can do more than just struggle.”

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Cuomo, 67, conceded on election night. “Tonight was not our night,” he said. “I called him, I congratulated him… he won.”

The race, held amid a blistering heatwave, drew national attention as a potential indicator of the Democratic Party’s future direction.

The primary included nearly a dozen candidates, but the spotlight remained on the high-profile contest between Cuomo and Mamdani, reflecting broader divisions within the party between moderate and progressive factions.

Cuomo, a political veteran and son of former Governor Mario Cuomo, had led in early polling due to his name recognition and endorsements from establishment figures, including former President Bill Clinton.

But lingering controversies from his 2021 resignation — triggered by allegations of sexual harassment and criticism of his COVID-19 response — appeared to undercut his comeback bid.

Mamdani, 33, who represents Queens in the New York State Assembly, ran a campaign centered on housing affordability, public transportation access, and social services. His platform included proposals for universal childcare, a rent freeze, and free bus service.

He was backed by the Democratic Socialists of America and received public endorsements from Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

“You took on the political, economic and media Establishment — and you beat them,” Sanders posted on social media.

Congratulations to Zohran Mamdani and his thousands of grassroots supporters for their extraordinary campaign. You took on the political, economic and media Establishment- and you beat them. Now it’s on to victory in the general election.

— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) June 25, 2025

Ocasio-Cortez added: “Billionaires and lobbyists poured millions against you and our public finance system. And you won.”

Congratulations, @ZohranKMamdani!

Your dedication to an affordable, welcoming, and safe New York City where working families can have a shot has inspired people across the city.

Billionaires and lobbyists poured millions against you and our public finance system.

And you won. https://t.co/YbJFsYjemm

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) June 25, 2025

Mamdani has also drawn criticism for his foreign policy stances, including his outspoken support for Palestinians and accusations that Israel is committing “genocide.” These remarks could be a point of contention in the general election.

Curtis Sliwa, the Republican nominee, responded to Mamdani’s win by calling him “too extreme for a city already on edge.” Sliwa urged voters to reject radical politics in November, saying, “It is time for real leadership.”

Mamdani’s candidacy has sparked debate among New Yorkers. Some voters, like Eamon Harkin, 48, said affordability was their top concern. “What’s at stake is primarily the affordability of New York,” Harkin said.

Others, like Sheryl Stein, expressed doubts. “Mamdani has no experience and no proven track record to run the largest city in this country and one of the largest in the world. That is pretty scary,” she said.

Current Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat who is seeking re-election as an independent, also weighed in. “What NYC deserves is a mayor who’s proud to run on his record — not one who ran from his record or one who has no record,” Adams said.

What NYC deserves is a mayor who’s proud to run on his record—not one who ran from his record, or one who has no record.

We deserve a mayor who will keep driving down crime, support our police, fight antisemitism, and stand up for working-class New Yorkers.

It’s time to unite.… pic.twitter.com/JwTFbQOtSG

— Eric Adams (@ericadamsfornyc) June 25, 2025

The final certified results, including ranked-choice reallocations, are expected in the coming days. The general election is scheduled for November 4.

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