June 27, 2025 NEW YORK, NY – In a stunning upset that sent shockwaves through the national Democratic establishment, 33-year-old democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani is set to clinch the Democratic primary for New York City mayor. With 93% of scanners reporting, the Queens Assemblymember leads former Governor Andrew Cuomo by a significant 44% to 36% in the first round of ranked-choice voting, all but guaranteeing his victory in the nation's most populous city.

The outcome marks a resounding triumph for a grassroots campaign that galvanized younger voters with its relentless focus on making New York City more affordable. Mamdani's impending win represents a stark generational and ideological shift within the Democratic Party, challenging the centrist politics long embodied by figures like Cuomo.

The Rise of an Unlikely Frontrunner

When Mamdani launched his mayoral bid in October as a relatively unknown state lawmaker, few anticipated such a meteoric rise. His campaign, however, was built on a bold progressive platform that resonated deeply with New Yorkers grappling with the city's high cost of living. Key proposals included:

• Free MTA Buses: Eliminating fares for city buses to ease the burden on commuters.
• Rent Freeze: Implementing a freeze on rent prices for rent-regulated apartments.
• Taxing the Wealthy: Raising taxes on the city's billionaires to fund social initiatives.
• Expanding Social Safety Net: Prioritizing mental health outreach teams over increasing NYPD police officers.
• City-Owned Grocery Stores: A unique proposition aimed at combating food deserts and high grocery prices.

Mamdani's uncompromising stance on these issues, coupled with a highly effective ground game that saw nearly 50,000 unpaid volunteers knock on over 1 million doors, proved to be a formidable force. His ability to connect with diverse communities, including significant outreach to South Asian and Muslim communities in Queens, was a critical factor in his success. Early voting saw record turnout, heavily fueled by young voters, with nearly a quarter of early voters not having participated in a Democratic primary between 2012 and 2024, signaling a fresh wave of engagement.

Cuomo's Comeback Bid Derailed

For Andrew Cuomo, the primary was a high-stakes attempt to rehabilitate his image and resurrect a political career that abruptly ended in 2021 amid a sexual harassment scandal. Despite entering the race as the prohibitive favorite, boasting high name recognition and endorsements from influential figures like former President Bill Clinton and a Super PAC (Fix The City) that poured over $24 million into pro-Cuomo and anti-Mamdani ads, the former governor could not overcome his significant political baggage.

Cuomo's campaign emphasized experience and competence, yet it struggled to counter the progressive wave. His concession, delivered at a somber rally at the Carpenter Union Hall, acknowledged Mamdani's ability to "touch young people and inspired them and got them to come out and vote."

Ranked-Choice Voting and the Road Ahead

While Mamdani has declared victory, the contest will be technically decided by the ranked-choice tally on July 1. This system allows voters to rank up to five candidates in order of preference. If no candidate secures a majority of first-choice votes, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed to the voters' second choices.

Patrick Dodson / New York Public News Network

This process continues until a candidate reaches over 50%. Mamdani's substantial lead, bolstered by a cross-endorsement from third-place finisher Comptroller Brad Lander (who garnered 11% of the vote), makes his ultimate victory in the ranked-choice tabulation highly probable.

Lander, a fellow member of the left-leaning Working Families Party slate, celebrated Mamdani's presumptive win, quipping, "Good f---ing riddance" to Cuomo and declaring, "We are on a path to win a city that all New Yorkers can afford and where everyone belongs."

November Showdown: Mamdani vs. Adams (and possibly Cuomo?)

Assuming his win is certified, Mamdani will face off against incumbent Mayor Eric Adams in the November general election. Adams, who declined to run in the Democratic primary, is seeking re-election on an independent line. Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa and independent Jim Walden are also set to appear on the November ballot.

Interestingly, Cuomo has not ruled out continuing his mayoral bid. He has already qualified to run on an independent line he created, called "Fight and Deliver," and stated he would "look at all the numbers as they come in and analyze the rank choice voting" before deciding his next steps. This leaves open the possibility of a multi-way race that could further complicate the political landscape.

If elected in November, Zohran Mamdani would make history as New York City's first Muslim and Asian American mayor, marking a new chapter for the city's leadership and potentially a blueprint for progressive campaigns nationwide. His victory speech, echoing Nelson Mandela, resonated with his supporters: "Tonight, we made history... 'It always seems impossible until it is done.'" For New York City's Democratic Party, a new era has undoubtedly begun.