Zohran Mamdani Leads NYC Mayoral Primary

New York: State Assembly member Zohran Mamdani has declared victory in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary, securing a first-round lead over former Governor Andrew Cuomo in a major political upset.

Initial results show Mamdani, 33, with 43.5 percent of the vote to Cuomo’s 36.4 percent, winning key boroughs like Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. Cuomo led in the Bronx and Staten Island. While the final outcome depends on ranked-choice vote transfers, Mamdani is expected to cross the 50 percent mark thanks to alliances with other progressive candidates.
“It's done, and you did it,” Mamdani told supporters on X, quoting Nelson Mandela.

A democratic socialist with strong left-leaning views, Mamdani rose to prominence by pushing for radical reforms during a time of national political upheaval. His platform included rent freezes, free public buses, and city-owned grocery stores, policies aimed at addressing the city’s cost-of-living crisis. He also drew attention for his vocal support for Palestinian rights, gaining traction among young, progressive voters, even as he faced criticism from pro-Israel groups.

Born in Uganda to Indian-origin parents, Mamdani moved to the US as a child. He is the son of award-winning filmmaker Mira Nair and Columbia University professor Mahmood Mamdani.
Cuomo, 67, backed by a 25 million dollars super PAC and wealthy allies like former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, positioned himself as the establishment candidate. However, lingering scandals from his resignation as governor in 2021 derailed his comeback effort.
If Mamdani secures the nomination, he will face independent incumbent Eric Adams and Republican Curtis Sliwa in November. With New York’s strong Democratic tilt, Mamdani could become the city’s first Muslim and Asian-heritage mayor, and one of its most left-leaning leaders in decades.