In a stunning political upset that has sent shockwaves through the Democratic establishment, 33-year-old Indian-American State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani has defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor.
Mamdani, a democratic socialist and the first Muslim and Indian-American to win a major party nomination for NYC mayor, surged ahead with a commanding lead in first-choice votes under the city’s ranked-choice voting system. With 96% of ballots counted, Mamdani led Cuomo 44% to 36%, prompting the former governor to concede late Tuesday night.
“Tonight, we made history,” Mamdani told a jubilant crowd in Queens. “This victory proves New Yorkers are ready for bold solutions and a city that works for all of us—not just the wealthy few.”
Born in Uganda and raised in Queens, Mamdani ran on a progressive platform that included universal childcare, free public bus service, rent freezes for subsidized housing, and city-run grocery stores—all funded by higher taxes on the wealthy. His campaign drew high-profile endorsements from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, and energized young voters and immigrant communities across the five boroughs.
Cuomo, 67, who resigned as governor in 2021 amid a sexual harassment scandal, had hoped the mayoral race would mark his political comeback. Despite a well-funded campaign and establishment backing, he struggled to counter Mamdani’s grassroots momentum.
Political analysts are calling Mamdani’s win “the biggest upset in modern NYC history,” signaling a generational and ideological shift in the city’s political landscape.
With New York City considered a Democratic stronghold, Mamdani now heads into the November general election as the clear frontrunner. If elected, he would become the first Muslim and Indian-American mayor in the city’s history.