Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani declared victory Tuesday night after former Gov. Andrew Cuomo conceded in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary, positioning the 33-year-old progressive to become the city’s first Muslim mayor.
“Tonight, we made history,” Mamdani told supporters just over an hour after Cuomo’s surprise concession. “We have won because New Yorkers have stood up for a city they can afford—a city where they can do more than just struggle.”
Unofficial results showed Mamdani with 43.51% of first-round votes, holding a more than 7-point lead over Cuomo, who garnered 36.42%. Final results will be determined through ranked-choice tabulations, expected next Tuesday.
Mamdani pledged to use the mayoralty, if secured, to “reject (President) Donald Trump’s fascism” and govern as a model for a Democratic Party that stands unapologetically for working people.
Cuomo, 67, who resigned as governor in 2021 amid a sexual harassment scandal, congratulated Mamdani during a campaign rally. “Tonight was not our night. Tonight was Assemblyman Mamdani’s night,” he told his supporters, though he left open the possibility of an independent run in November.
