![Zohran Mamdani declares victory: “My friends, it is done. And you are the ones who did it. […] I am honored to be your Democratic nominee for the Mayor of New York City.”](http://media.assettype.com/interbellumnews%2F2025-06-25%2Fzkpkswkt%2FGuQzvBXasAAjGV8.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, emerged victorious in the Democratic mayoral primary, defeating former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in a surprising turn of events.
Mamdani’s campaign, centered on tackling the city’s affordability crisis, secured 43.5 percent of first-choice ballots, per Decision Desk HQ estimates, compared to Cuomo’s 36.4 percent.
Addressing supporters at a Queens rally, Mamdani celebrated the historic win, emphasizing a vision for a city affordable for all New Yorkers.
Cuomo, previously favored despite his 2021 resignation amid a sexual harassment scandal, struggled to close the gap in the ranked-choice voting system.
Acknowledging Mamdani’s win, he expressed openness to running as an independent in the November general election, indicating plans to evaluate future options.
The primary exposed a Democratic Party split, with Mamdani’s progressive platform, supported by figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, contrasting Cuomo’s moderate, experience-focused approach.
Mamdani’s grassroots momentum, fueled by young canvassers and policies like free buses, childcare, and a higher minimum wage, captured voter enthusiasm.
He pledged to serve all New Yorkers, including those disillusioned by politics.
The primary winner will face incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, running as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the general election.
Mamdani’s rise, potentially making him the city’s first Muslim and Indian American mayor, underscores a demand for progressive leadership as New York navigates challenges during President Trump’s second term.