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Mamdani Leads, Cuomo Concedes — But the Race Isn’t Fully Over

In a dramatic turn of events in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary, former Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded defeat to State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, who emerged as the front-runner in the first round of ranked choice voting, capturing approximately 44% of first-choice ballots, compared to Cuomo’s 36%.

Though the final outcome won’t be known until all ranked choice rounds are tabulated — a process expected to take at least another week — Cuomo acknowledged Mamdani’s dominance in a heartfelt speech, calling the Assemblyman’s campaign “highly impactful” and “inspiring.”

“Tonight was not our night,” Cuomo said. “It was Assemblyman Mamdani’s night... He moved people and inspired them to come out and vote. He deserved this.”

Still, Cuomo stopped short of ruling out a potential independent run in the general election, signaling that his political ambitions might not yet be extinguished.

Zohran Mamdani’s Progressive Surge: A Campaign Powered by Grassroots Energy

Mamdani, a 33-year-old Queens Assemblyman and Democratic Socialist, saw his campaign surge in the final weeks by championing a progressive platform focused on housing reform, wealth redistribution, and public service investment. Among his headline proposals:

• A citywide rent freeze
• Municipal grocery stores with price caps
• Fare-free public transit
• Higher taxes on the wealthy to fund social programs

His campaign went viral thanks to direct-to-camera videos and grassroots organizing, including a memorable final campaign push where Mamdani walked the entire length of Manhattan, speaking to voters and sharing footage online.

Mamdani, born in Uganda, became a U.S. citizen in 2018 and launched his political career soon after, defeating a long-time Democratic incumbent with backing from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). If elected, he would become New York City's first Muslim mayor.

“This is a campaign built by working people for working people,” Mamdani said in his speech, quoting Nelson Mandela. “We are creating a city where those who labor at night can live with dignity by day.”

Cuomo’s Decline: A Comeback Undone by Past Scandals

Despite entering the race with significant name recognition, a national profile, and millions in outside spending — including $8.5 million from a super PAC backed by Michael Bloomberg — Cuomo was unable to overcome the baggage from his 2021 resignation following allegations of sexual harassment and mishandling of nursing home COVID-19 data.

His campaign emphasized his deep experience and promised to fight back against President Donald Trump’s second-term agenda. He earned endorsements from major Democratic figures such as Michael Bloomberg and Rubén Díaz Jr., but struggled to shake off criticism from progressives and former allies alike.

Mamdani and his supporters used the ranked choice voting system strategically, forming cross-endorsement pacts with other progressive candidates like Brad Lander and Michael Blake to consolidate anti-Cuomo support.

“I’ve never had to resign in disgrace,” Mamdani pointedly said during a debate on NY1. “I’ve never hounded women who accused me of sexual harassment. I am not you, Mr. Cuomo.”

Contentious Moments, Political Endorsements, and Divided Voters

The campaign was not without controversy. Mamdani came under fire for not explicitly denouncing the slogan “globalize the intifada”, which drew criticism from Jewish leaders, the Anti-Defamation League, and Cuomo allies. At a press conference, Mamdani denounced antisemitism but also pushed back on what he called politically motivated smears and threats against him for his Muslim identity.

“It pains me to be portrayed as someone who stands against my Jewish neighbors,” he said. “This city deserves leadership that unites, not divides.”

Mamdani was endorsed by a broad progressive coalition, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Working Families Party, and Sen. Bernie Sanders, who called Mamdani “a voice for justice in a city that badly needs it.”

Ranked Choice Voting and What Comes Next

Under New York City’s ranked choice voting system, voters can select up to five candidates in order of preference. If no candidate earns over 50% in the first round, votes for the lowest-finishing candidates are redistributed based on next-choice rankings until one candidate surpasses the threshold.

The New York City Board of Elections is expected to release the next round of vote reallocations next Tuesday, though full results could take longer.

While Mamdani holds a significant first-round lead, Cuomo could still remain on the ballot in November's general election under the line of his newly created third party, though he hasn’t formally confirmed those plans.

They would likely face Mayor Eric Adams, who is running for re-election as an independent after federal corruption charges against him were dropped, as well as Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, a familiar figure from the 2021 race.

A Defining Moment for the Democratic Party

Mamdani has framed his campaign as not just a mayoral bid, but a test of the Democratic Party’s future direction in the Trump era. In his own words:

“The mayor must reject fascism, fight back against ICE agents, and be a model for what the Democratic Party can be — a party that unapologetically fights for working people.”

If the ranked choice process confirms his nomination, Mamdani’s rise will stand as one of the most remarkable left-wing electoral victories in the city’s history — and a sharp rebuke of the Democratic establishment Cuomo once embodied.

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