Zohran Mamdani Wins NYC Democratic Mayoral Primary

Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist and Queens state assembly member, has won New York City's Democratic mayoral primary, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo by 12 points with 56% of the ranked-choice vote. Mamdani's victory was supported by progressive endorsements from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, as well as cross-endorsements with Comptroller Brad Lander, and was marked by record primary turnout not seen since 1989. His populist platform focused on affordability reforms, such as rent freezes, free bus fare, and higher taxes on millionaires. Cuomo conceded after the first round of vote tabulation but remains on the ballot as an independent candidate for the general election. In November, Mamdani will face incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, running as an independent, Republican Curtis Sliwa, Cuomo as an independent, and other candidates. The primary results are expected to be certified in mid-July.