Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has claimed a significant victory in the New York City mayoral primary, receiving strong backing from affluent neighborhoods. However, working-class voters earning less than $50,000 preferred ex-governor Andrew Cuomo by nearly 20 points, a gap that could widen as more votes are counted.
Cuomo, who has faced scandals during his time in office, congratulated Mamdani on his win shortly after the results came in. "Tonight was not our night," Cuomo said, acknowledging Mamdani’s success. In the first round of voting, Mamdani garnered about 44% of the votes, while Cuomo followed with 36%.
According to results from the New York Times, Mamdani performed well in wealthier areas, winning counties with a median income over $117,000 by an average of 13 points. In contrast, Cuomo dominated in lower-income areas, winning counties with a median income under $62,000 by a similar margin.
Among different racial groups, Cuomo had a strong advantage, winning black voters by nearly 20 points. However, Mamdani managed to secure a narrow win among white voters, and he performed well with Hispanic and Asian-American voters as well.
Mamdani’s lead in wealthier neighborhoods is expected to grow as ranked-choice voting continues to be tabulated. His campaign was bolstered by a close relationship with city Comptroller Brad Lander, who received 11% of first-round votes. Many of Lander’s supporters are likely to lean toward Mamdani in subsequent rounds.
Notable neighborhoods that supported Mamdani include Cobble Hill and Park Slope, where he received 45% of the votes. Cuomo, on the other hand, found success in working-class areas like the South Bronx and Eastern Brooklyn, winning by large margins in places like Far Rockaway.
Throughout his campaign, Mamdani focused on progressive policies such as defunding the police, expanding rent control, and funding gender-affirming procedures. His proposals are projected to cost the city over $10 billion, raising concerns about the city’s finances.
Mamdani’s victory was also fueled by his effective use of social media and endorsements from other left-leaning politicians, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
As for Cuomo, he has not yet decided whether to run as an independent in the upcoming general election. If he does, the race could become a five-way contest, including Mamdani, incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and independent Jim Walden.
This primary has set the stage for a competitive and potentially divisive general election in New York City, with contrasting visions for the city’s future at stake.