New York Assembly Member Zohran Kwame Mamdani, a millennial democratic socialist, has nearly clinched a stunning come-from-behind victory to become the Democratic Party’s nominee to be New York City’s next mayor.
After the first round of ranked-choice voting showed Mamdani ahead of Cuomo by several points Tuesday ― a shock lead for Mamdani in what was expected to be a neck-and-neck race ― former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D-N.Y.) told supporters he congratulated Mamdani.
“I want to applaud the assemblyman for a really smart and good and impactful campaign,” Cuomo said at an election night party. “Tonight is his night. He deserved it. He won.”
Cuomo said he would “take a look” at ranked-choice voting numbers and “give some thought” about the “best way to help the city” ― likely a reference to a possible third-party run.
The concession came despite Mamdani not yet surpassing 50% of the vote tally, which is required in New York City’s ranked-choice elections.
