Self-described socialist Zohran Mamdani defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo in Tuesday’s Democratic mayoral primary, winning 43.5% to Cuomo’s 36.4% with nearly 95% of ballot scanners reporting.
The 33-year-old far-Left state lawmaker entered the race as a virtual unknown but built momentum with a campaign focused on the high cost of living and spending promises. Mamdani would become New York City’s first Muslim mayor if elected in November’s general election.
“Today… with the vision of the city that every New Yorker can afford, we have won,” Mamdani told supporters at his victory party. He promised “to govern our city as a model for the Democratic Party” and to reject President Donald Trump’s policies.
Mamdani ran on spending proposals including free buses, free childcare, new apartments, and a higher minimum wage, funded by new taxes. His campaign estimated the proposals would cost $10 billion total.
The victory represents a stunning upset over Cuomo, who had been considered the frontrunner throughout the race due to his deep political experience. Cuomo was attempting a comeback after resigning as governor following a sexual harassment scandal.
“We are going to take a look and make some tough decisions. Tonight is his night,” Cuomo said in his concession speech. The former governor had set up a ballot line that would allow him to continue fighting in the general election, though he has not announced his intentions.
Mamdani attracted endorsements from prominent socialists including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, helping him consolidate support from the party’s extreme wing.
Current Mayor Eric Adams will face Mamdani as an independent candidate in November following an uproar over Adams’ indictment on corruption charges. Adams appeared on “Fox & Friends” Wednesday morning to attack his general election opponent.
“He was saying anything to get elected,” Adams said, calling Mamdani a “snake oil salesman.” Adams criticized Mamdani’s promise to raise taxes on wealthy New Yorkers, noting that mayors lack the authority to implement such tax increases.
“Think about this for a moment — [Mamdani] wants to raise taxes on the 1% of New Yorkers’ high incomes … [But] as the mayor you don’t have the ability to do that,” Adams said. “He doesn’t understand the power of government and how you must be making sure you’re improving your economy [and] raising the standard of living.”
Mamdani currently serves his third term in the state Assembly representing Queens. Critics have argued he lacks the experience to handle municipal crises, with Cuomo claiming during the campaign that his opponent was unqualified for the mayor’s office.
The primary result could indicate the type of far-Left leader Democrats are flocking towards during Trump’s second presidential term. Mamdani’s extreme platform resonated with Democratic voters despite his limited name recognition at the campaign’s start.
Adams faces an uphill battle in November after his corruption indictment damaged his standing with voters. The mayor’s uneven first-term performance and legal troubles have left him polling poorly ahead of the general election.