Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo suffered a stunning defeat in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor, as Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani emerged as the front-runner despite Cuomo’s backing from powerful Democratic establishment figures like Bill Clinton and Rep. James Clyburn.
With 93% of the vote counted, Mamdani led with 43.5% to Cuomo’s 36.4%. Though the final outcome will be determined by ranked-choice voting rounds, Cuomo conceded publicly: “Tonight was Assemblyman Mamdani’s night… He deserved it. He won,” Cuomo said, acknowledging Mamdani’s ability to “inspire young people” and energize voter turnout.
Despite his concession speech, Cuomo has not officially ended his campaign. A spokesperson confirmed he is still considering a run on an independent line in November, saying he plans to analyze ranked-choice results before making a final decision.
Cuomo’s campaign leaned heavily on endorsements from high-profile Democrats. Rep. James Clyburn, one of the most influential voices in the Democratic Party, endorsed Cuomo days before the vote, calling him a leader with a proven track record. Former President Bill Clinton also lent support, praising Cuomo’s ability to “make government work.”
But endorsements from establishment figures failed to close the enthusiasm gap. Mamdani’s campaign emphasized progressive priorities like affordable housing, fare-free public transit, and rent stabilization—issues that resonated deeply with working-class voters and younger demographics across New York City. In his victory speech, Mamdani said, “It always seems impossible until it is done. My friends, we have done it. I will be your Democratic nominee for the mayor of New York City.”
The race has also been interpreted by many observers as a rejection of the centrist wing of the Democratic Party. Cuomo’s political record included controversies that surfaced repeatedly throughout the campaign, including his handling of COVID-19 nursing home data, multiple sexual harassment allegations, and a past comment using the phrase “shuck and jive,” which critics deemed racially insensitive.
Progressives saw Mamdani’s success as a rebuke to what some described as the Democratic Party’s outdated and corporate-aligned leadership. The race has sparked broader debate around the future of the party and the growing influence of democratic socialist candidates. Mamdani’s platform, while ambitious, focused on practical reforms that positioned him as a credible advocate for working-class New Yorkers.
Although Mamdani declared victory, New York City’s ranked-choice voting system requires additional elimination rounds before a winner is officially certified. Under this system, the lowest-performing candidates are eliminated and their voters’ next preferences are redistributed until one candidate surpasses the 50% threshold.
In 2021, the ranked-choice process took weeks to complete. But with Mamdani holding a significant lead and Cuomo already conceding in spirit, the result appears unlikely to shift.
Cuomo has qualified to appear on the general election ballot as an independent candidate, raising the possibility of a three-way race in November. Mamdani is expected to face incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.
The Democratic establishment’s failure to secure a win for Cuomo highlights a shifting political landscape where progressive challengers are gaining traction. As voters continue to demand economic reform and political accountability, candidates like Mamdani are redefining what it means to be electable in modern Democratic politics.
