New York [US], June 25 (ANI): Former Governor Andrew Cuomo has conceded the Democratic primary for New York City mayor to Zohran Mamdani, acknowledging the Assemblyman’s strong grassroots campaign and appeal to younger voters.
“Tonight was not our night, but it was Assemblyman Mamdani’s night,” Cuomo told supporters at his election night event, as reported by NBC News. “He put together a great campaign, and he touched young people and inspired them and moved them and got them to come out and vote… He really ran a highly impactful campaign.”
Cuomo confirmed that he had called Mamdani to personally congratulate him, adding, “Tonight is his night. He deserved it. He won.”
While ballots are still being counted under New York City’s ranked choice voting system, Cuomo’s concession marks a dramatic moment in what many saw as his attempted political comeback. Initial first-choice results show Mamdani leading with around 44 percent of the vote, compared to Cuomo’s 36 percent.
Despite the apparent loss, Cuomo hinted at future political plans. Noting that ranked choice tabulations are still underway and mentioning the possibility of appearing on the November general election ballot via his newly formed political party, Cuomo stated, “The challenges we face are real, and they deserve real consideration… I want to give some thought about the best way to help address them, the best way to help the party, but most of all, the best way to help the city.”
Mamdani, a 33-year-old New York State Assembly member, democratic socialist, and son of acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, would become New York City’s first Muslim mayor if elected. Born in Uganda, Mamdani is also the first South Asian man, first Ugandan, and only the third Muslim to serve in the New York State Assembly.
His campaign surged in recent weeks thanks to endorsements from high-profile progressives including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Senator Bernie Sanders, the Working Families Party, and Attorney General Letitia James. He also secured cross-endorsement agreements with candidates such as NYC Comptroller Brad Lander and former DNC Vice Chair Michael Blake.
Mamdani’s platform includes proposals to freeze rents, offer free buses, provide universal childcare, and fund these programs through increased taxation on the wealthy. His progressive message galvanized an anti-Cuomo coalition, with activists urging voters not to rank the former governor on their ballots at all.
While ranked choice results are expected next week, Cuomo’s concession signals a likely win for Mamdani. Still, the possibility of a third-party general election bid by Cuomo means the mayoral race could remain contentious through November. (ANI)
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