Mamdani’s Historic Primary Win Signals Shift in NYC Politics
Zohran Mamdani has declared victory in the NYC Mayoral Election Democratic primary, marking a significant moment in the political landscape of New York. If elected, Mamdani would become the first Muslim and Indian American New York mayor, setting a precedent for representation in one of the world’s most influential cities. At just 33 years old, the state assemblyman has unseated political heavyweight Andrew Cuomo and will now face incumbent NYC mayor Eric Adams and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the November 2025 general election.
Zohran Mamdani was a lesser-known figure when compared to Andrew Cuomo. [AP: Vincent Alban/The New York Times/Pool]
A Grassroots Campaign that Paid Off
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Mamdani thanked voters who ranked him first and pledged to be “a mayor for every New Yorker.” Addressing supporters at his victory party, he said,
“The power belongs to the people. I will be the mayor for every New Yorker, whether you voted for me, for Governor Cuomo, or felt too disillusioned by a long-broken political system to vote at all. I will work to be a mayor you will be proud to call your own.”
Throughout the NYC mayoral elections, Mamdani ran a high-energy, grassroots campaign that focused on reducing living costs and expanding social services. His policy proposals—such as free child care, free buses, a higher minimum wage, and affordable housing—garnered strong support from progressive circles. Backed by Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Mamdani’s movement energised younger voters and first-time participants in the New York mayoral election.
Cuomo Concedes in a Surprising Turn
Former governor Andrew Cuomo, once considered the frontrunner despite his controversial past, conceded shortly after it became clear that the primary vote would proceed to a ranked-choice count. With 93% of the votes tallied, Mamdani held 43.5% of the vote.
“Tonight is his night. He deserved it. He won,” Cuomo told his supporters, while leaving the door open for a potential independent run in the general election. Though dogged by a sexual harassment scandal and a botched COVID-19 response, Cuomo retained popularity in some moderate circles due to his deep political connections and strong fundraising machine.
Percentage of vote gained after 92.8% of the vote count [The Washington Post]
Ranked Choice Voting in Action
The New York mayoral election used ranked choice voting, which triggered once no candidate secured a clear majority. The system allowed voters to rank candidates in order of preference, giving a better shot to lesser-known names like Mamdani. With Cuomo failing to gather enough second-choice votes and Adams skipping the primary, Mamdani surged ahead.
Although Mamdani has claimed victory, the final certified results of the Democratic primary will be declared on July 1. Still, momentum is firmly on his side.
Adams and Sliwa Await in November
The NYC Mayoral Election on November 4 will see Mamdani compete against sitting NYC mayor Eric Adams and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Adams, previously elected as a Democrat, has chosen to run as an independent following a corruption scandal that federal authorities eventually dropped. Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, continues to position himself as a law-and-order candidate appealing to conservative voters.
There’s also a possibility of Cuomo running as an independent, though he has not yet confirmed his intentions. If he does, the November ballot will become a four-way race that could further split votes among moderate and liberal constituents.
The Ideological Divide in Focus
The Democratic primary between Mamdani and Cuomo symbolised the ongoing ideological tug-of-war within the party. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, represents the progressive wing focused on economic justice and systemic reform. In contrast, Cuomo stood as a centrist figurehead, relying on experience and institutional backing.
Other candidates, such as City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and former City Comptroller Scott Stringer, failed to generate momentum in a race dominated by the Mamdani-Cuomo showdown. Comptroller Brad Lander made headlines after getting arrested at a protest but did not manage to turn that into electoral success.
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A Progressive Vision for the City
Mamdani’s campaign struck a chord with many New Yorkers grappling with the city’s rising cost of living. His promises to introduce wealth taxes to fund essential services resonated with working-class families and marginalised communities. Campaign posters, viral videos, and an army of young canvassers helped boost his visibility city-wide.
Despite criticism from opponents about his perceived lack of management experience, Mamdani countered by highlighting Cuomo’s controversial past. He also addressed accusations about his support for Palestinian human rights, saying it’s part of a broader vision for global justice.
What Comes Next
The next few months will be crucial. Mamdani will need to broaden his appeal beyond his base to defeat seasoned candidates like Adams and Sliwa. The NYC mayoral elections are always high-stakes, but 2025 feels particularly significant. The outcome could shape how New York responds to challenges like housing, inequality, climate change, and public safety.
The NYC Mayoral Election general vote is set for November 4, 2025. As Mamdani prepares to face his rivals, the political future of New York hangs in the balance.
