WEBDESK, June 25, 2025: Zohran Mamdani declares victory on Tuesday night after former Governor Andrew Cuomo concedes, marking a major upset in one of the most closely watched local races in U.S. politics .
- With over 93% of first-round votes counted, Mamdani secured approximately 43.5%, while Cuomo trailed at 36.4%.
- Although neither candidate passed the 50% threshold required for outright victory, Cuomo’s early concession reflects confidence that Mamdani will emerge as the winner once ranked‑choice ballots are tallied.
- Cuomo congratulated Mamdani, calling it “his night” and acknowledging the strength of his grassroots, youth-driven, progressive campaign.
Who is Zohran Mamdani?
- Age & Identity: A 33‑year‑old state Assembly member and democratic socialist.
- Background: Born in Kampala, Uganda (October 18, 1991), immigrated to NYC at age 7. Educated at Bronx High School of Science and Bowdoin College in Africana Studies. Became a U.S. citizen in 2018.
- Family & Career: Son of Ugandan academic Mahmood Mamdani and renowned filmmaker Mira Nair, previously worked as a housing counselor assisting low-income Queens residents.
- Political Rise: First elected to the Assembly in 2020, representing Queens’ 36th District. A self-described democratic socialist, he’s known for advocating rent freezes, free buses, children’s services, and tax reforms targeting millionaires.
- Extraordinary Milestone: If fully elected, he would become NYC’s first Muslim, first Asian, first millennial, and first DSA-affiliated mayor since 1993.
The Field: How Many Candidates Contended?
A total of 11 Democratic candidates appeared on the primary ballot. The first-round breakdown was as follows:
| Candidate | Vote Share (%) |
|---|---|
| Zohran Mamdani | 43.5% |
| Andrew Cuomo | 36.4% |
| Brad Lander | 11.3% |
| Adrienne Adams | 4.1% |
| Scott Stringer | 1.7% |
| Zellnor Myrie | 1.0% |
| Whitney Tilson | 0.8% |
| Michael Blake | 0.4% |
| Jessica Ramos | 0.4% |
| Paperboy Prince | 0.1% |
| Selma Bartholomew | 0.1% |
| Write‑ins | 0.1% (en.wikipedia.org) |
This total of 11 contenders plus write‑ins highlights how crowded the field was before narrowing to a two‑person race.
What Happens Next?
- Ranked‑Choice Count: The Board of Elections will redistribute second‑choice votes from lower‑performing candidates until one candidate exceeds 50% — likely to be finalized by early July.
- General Election Outlook: With NYC’s deep Democratic tilt and incumbent Eric Adams focusing on an independent candidacy, Mamdani is heavily favored in the fall.
- Cuomo’s Options: Though Cuomo conceded the primary, he has neither ruled out nor confirmed an independent run in November.
Final Take
Zohran Mamdani’s primary win represents a dramatic shift in NYC’s political climate, a youthful, progressive, grassroots movement defeating a seasoned centrist. His victory speaks to broader changes within the Democratic Party and paves the way for landmark representation for Muslims and millennials in one of America’s largest cities.
