NEW YORK: Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old state lawmaker and self-described democratic socialist, was poised on Tuesday to win New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary in a surprising upset over former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
In brief remarks to supporters, Cuomo, 67, who had been seeking a political comeback four years after resigning amid sexual harassment allegations, said he had called Mamdani to congratulate him.
“Tonight is his night,” Cuomo said while conceding the race to Mamdani.
Mamdani, who entered the campaign as a virtual unknown, was ahead of Cuomo 43.5% to 36.4% with nearly 95% of ballot scanners reporting, according to the city’s elections board. Nine other Democratic candidates trailed far behind.
Mamdani declared victory addressing his supporters.
“Today… with the vision of the city that every New Yorker can afford, we have won,” he said in a speech broadcasted by ABC7 New York TV channel. He promised to reject President Donald Trump’s policies and “to govern our city as a model for the Democratic Party.” The outcome will not be final until next week, due to New York’s ranked-choice system that allows citizens to pick up to five candidates in order of preference. –Agencies
