Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded the Democratic mayoral primary on Tuesday night after a surprising turn of events. Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old assemblyman from Queens, took a commanding lead, leaving Cuomo behind in what many considered an unexpected upset.
Cuomo, who is 67, expressed his shock at the results, saying, “Tonight is his night. He deserved it, he won,” referring to Mamdani. The unofficial results showed Mamdani ahead with 43.53% of the votes, while Cuomo received 36.3%. City Comptroller Brad Lander trailed with 11.41%. This translated to approximately 424,000 votes for Mamdani and 354,000 for Cuomo.
The primary used ranked-choice voting, meaning that while Mamdani did not secure an outright majority, he is well-positioned to win as the remaining votes are counted. The final decision will be made on July 1. Cuomo, who had hoped to revive his political career after resigning in disgrace in 2021, indicated he might not run as an independent in the general election, despite earlier speculation.
Cuomo’s campaign relied heavily on his name recognition and support from powerful unions. However, Mamdani’s grassroots campaign resonated with younger voters, focusing on affordability and progressive policies. His slogan, “It’s affordability, stupid,” captured the attention of the electorate.
Political analysts noted that Mamdani’s success reflects a growing influence of the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, reminiscent of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s surprising victory over Joe Crowley in 2018. Cuomo’s campaign faced challenges as he struggled to connect with voters, opting for a more subdued approach compared to Mamdani’s energetic and visible campaign style.
Despite having a significant financial advantage, Cuomo’s campaign faltered, with many questioning his strategy. His reliance on television ads and the backing of wealthy donors did not translate into voter support, especially among younger demographics who favored Mamdani’s message. The weather also played a role, as hot conditions on Election Day may have discouraged some voters from turning out for Cuomo.
As the primary results unfolded, Mamdani’s supporters celebrated, while Cuomo faced the reality of a disappointing campaign. His political future now hangs in the balance as he considers his next steps, and Mamdani prepares for a challenging general election against incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent.
The outcome of this primary not only impacts New York City but also signals a potential shift in the Democratic Party’s direction, highlighting the tension between traditional party leaders and the newer, more progressive voices emerging within the ranks.