Progressive Assemblyman Surges Past Cuomo, Poised to Become City’s First Muslim and Asian American Mayor

In a stunning upset that signals a generational and ideological shift in New York City’s political landscape, 33-year-old State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani has claimed victory in the Democratic primary for mayor, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Mamdani, a democratic socialist backed by progressive heavyweights like Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, declared triumph late Tuesday night, proclaiming, “Tonight, we made history. I will be your Democratic nominee for the mayor of New York City.”

The primary, held on June 24, 2025, saw Mamdani secure 43.5% of first-place votes compared to Cuomo’s 36.4% after 93% of votes were counted, with ranked-choice voting results still pending final tabulation. Cuomo, whose campaign was bolstered by over $25 million in outside spending, conceded defeat late Tuesday, acknowledging Mamdani’s “smart and impactful campaign.” 

Mamdani’s campaign, centered on affordability and social justice, resonated with younger voters and diverse communities. His platform includes plans to triple the city’s production of affordable, union-built, rent-stabilized housing, implement free bus services, and establish universal childcare. His viral social media presence, with over a million followers on Instagram and TikTok, amplified his message, drawing comparisons to modern political strategies that leverage digital platforms for grassroots momentum. 

Born in Kampala, Uganda, and raised in New York City since age seven, Mamdani would become the city’s first Muslim and Asian American mayor if victorious in the November 4 general election. The son of a Columbia University professor and Indian filmmaker Mira Nair, Mamdani leaned into his pluralistic identity, galvanizing a diverse electorate in a city grappling with housing crises and economic challenges.

Cuomo, a centrist with endorsements from figures like former President Bill Clinton and former Mayor Mike Bloomberg, led polls for months but faced skepticism about his comeback bid following his 2021 resignation amid sexual harassment allegations. He left open the possibility of running in the general election on a minor-party line, setting the stage for a potential rematch.

Mamdani’s victory was celebrated at a lively election night party attended by notable figures like Gen Z activist David Hogg and Ella Emhoff, stepdaughter of former Vice President Kamala Harris. New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, who finished third and cross-endorsed Mamdani, joined him on stage, declaring, “Together, we are sending Andrew Cuomo back to the suburbs.” 

As the Democratic nominee in an overwhelmingly Democratic city, Mamdani is the frontrunner against incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent after opting out of the primary amid ethics scandals. However, with ranked-choice voting results still being finalized and Cuomo’s potential independent run, the path to City Hall remains dynamic. 

“This has been a historically contentious race,” Mamdani told supporters, emphasizing unity. “I hope now that this primary has come to an end, I can introduce myself as how I will lead as your mayor.” The final vote count, expected in the coming days, will confirm Mamdani’s nomination, but his campaign’s energy and vision have already reshaped New York’s political future.