Published: June 25, 2025, 09:17 PM
Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani defeats former Governor Andrew Cuomo in a major political upset, setting the stage to become New York City’s first Muslim and Indian American mayor.
In a seismic political upset, 33-year-old democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has claimed victory in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in a closely watched race that may reshape the city’s political future.
“Tonight we made history,” Mamdani declared in his victory speech Tuesday evening, positioning himself as the likely next mayor of the nation’s largest city. If elected in November, he would become the first Muslim and Indian American to hold the office.
Mamdani’s win over Cuomo, a 67-year-old political heavyweight and one-time national figure, marks what analysts are calling the “biggest upset in modern NYC history.” Cuomo resigned as governor in 2021 following sexual harassment allegations and had been mounting a political comeback.
Though final results remain pending under the ranked-choice voting system, Cuomo conceded, acknowledging Mamdani’s campaign as “really smart and great.” The progressive candidate’s strong early lead signaled a powerful shift within the Democratic electorate, especially in a city long considered a liberal stronghold.
“This is a massive win that shows New Yorkers want bold, progressive leadership in the face of Trump-era politics,” said strategist Trip Yang. “Mamdani energized voters with his authenticity and courage.”
A former housing activist and state assemblyman, Mamdani ran on a platform of sweeping reforms, including free public buses, universal childcare, a rent freeze in subsidized units, and publicly run grocery stores—all financed through higher taxes on the wealthy.
Born in Uganda and raised in Queens, Mamdani’s campaign was known for its cultural reach—featuring videos in Urdu and Spanish, and Bollywood clips that connected with a diverse voter base. He also drew attention for speaking directly to Trump voters, seeking to understand their concerns and bridge political divides.
Mamdani’s vocal support for Palestinian rights and his criticism of U.S. policy toward Israel distanced him from the Democratic establishment, but attracted a fervent grassroots following. Endorsements from prominent progressives including Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez helped solidify his candidacy.
Cuomo, still on the ballot as an independent, told the New York Times he was considering next steps. “I want to look at the numbers and ranked-choice results before deciding,” he said.
As New York heads into the general election, Mamdani’s campaign is poised to test whether a new brand of left-wing politics can not only win primaries—but govern the city that never sleeps.
