Mamdani declares victory in NYC's Democratic mayoral primary, after Cuomo concedes but considers independent run

Former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo conceded the New York City Democratic mayoral primary to State Assemb. Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old socialist upstart promising to make New York City more affordable by taxing the rich and expanding free social programs.

Mamdani took the stage shortly after 12:15 a.m., declaring victory to a roar of cheers from his elated supporters gathered at a beer hall in Long Island City, Queens.

“We have won because New Yorkers have stood up for a city they can afford — a city where they can do more than just struggle!” he said.

"I will be the mayor for every New Yorker — whether you voted for me, for Governor Cuomo, or felt too disillusioned by a long-broken political system to vote at all, I will fight for a city that works for you, that is affordable for you. That is safe for you. I will work to be a mayor you will be proud to call your own,” Mamdani told the crowd.

“I pledge to you that we will remake this great city, not in my image, but in the image of every New Yorker who has only known struggle. In our New York, the power belongs to the people,” he said. 

Speaking in Manhattan shortly before 10:30 p.m., Cuomo said he was "proud of the effort we put forth, and I'm proud of the issues we discussed, but tonight was not our night."

He said Mamdani "touched young people and inspired and moved them and got them to come out and vote and really ran a highly impactful campaign. ... I congratulate him. ... I applaud him sincerely for his effort."

But later Cuomo left the door open for an independent run, saying in a news release: "I want to look at all the numbers as they come in and analyze the rank choice voting. I will then consult with my colleagues on what is the best path for me to help the City of New York, as I have already qualified to run for mayor on an independent line in November.”

Cheers for Mamdani — and boos for Cuomo — thundered at Mamdani's victory party, where the concession speech played on televisions.

While the formal outcome isn't likely to be known until next week, as of 10:55 p.m., with 94.49% of scanners reporting, Zohran led Cuomo 43.50% to 36.37%.

In beating Cuomo, Mamdani has dethroned the Cuomo political dynasty backed by the city's elite and denied the former governor his post-resignation comeback in the aftermath of his 2021 resignation in scandal.

Under the city’s ranked choice voting system, unless one candidate gets more than 50% the winner won’t be named until at least July 1 at noon, when the ranked choice tabulations are scheduled to be run by the city’s Board of Elections. 

As of 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, 930,505 people had come to polling sites to cast their ballots on Election Day — and that's in addition to the 305,896 people who voted during the early voting period that began June 14 and ended Sunday, according to the city Board of Elections.

The early voting total is almost double that of four years ago, when Eric Adams won the nomination and went on to become the 110th mayor since 1665, when the British captured New Amsterdam.

Cuomo had been the clear favorite, with a double-digit lead in every poll even before he entered the race in March.

But in recent weeks, support for Mamdani, whose government service began in 2021, has skyrocketed, tightening the race to a place where a poll released on the eve of Election Day had Mamdani topping Cuomo.

Mamdani has said he wants taxes to be raised on the richest New Yorkers to fund social programs, including free child care and free public buses. He also has promised to implement a rent freeze on regulated apartments and open municipal grocery stores.

Cuomo ran as a veteran government executive who would hire more police officers, build more housing, remove homeless people from subways and restrict e-bikes and scooters.

Both men said they were best positioned to resist the policies of President Donald Trump and have disagreed over Israel.

Cuomo, the scion of a family political dynasty resigned as governor following a sexual harassment scandal and has faced criticism over his administration’s handling of COVID in nursing homes during the pandemic.

He has denied all wrongdoing and, in a race where his chief rival in recent weeks was decades his junior, touted his experience leading the state, dealing with Congress, unions and the city’s most powerful ex-resident: Trump.

Mamdani voted early, casting his ballot on June 19. 

He kicked off Election Day just before dawn Tuesday in Astoria, Queens, saying he’d chosen to start so early in recognition of working-class New Yorkers who start their workdays early in the morning — or get off overnight shifts.

"We are approaching the dawn of a new era in New York City," Mamdani said. "We are turning the page on the corrupt politics of the past that made this the most expensive city in the United States of America."

Cuomo had walked to his polling site at the High School of Art and Design, on Manhattan's Upper East Side, at around 11 a.m. to cast his ballot. He urged people to get out and vote despite long lines and record-breaking heat. Voting, he said, could "change the trajectory of the city."

"You are tired of homelessness in New York. You're tired of crime in the subway, tired of crime on the street. You want it to change? Today is the day to change it," said Cuomo, who was both greeted warmly and heckled by various passersby.

One man called out that he loved Cuomo. But another man said: "Keep your hands to yourself, governor."

Among the first voters at the poll site Tuesday was Anita Dazzo, 25, a graphic designer, who said she picked Mamdani, describing him as a fresh candidate for New York and someone who would make the city more affordable.

"It’s actually a benefit that he’s young — he has a lot of great ideas, like free buses and stabilizing rent," she said. "I’m in that boat where I struggle to afford things, but I know it’s also really important to so many other New Yorkers."

Caroline Levine, 25, a law student, said she picked Cuomo because she's familiar with him and feels comfortable with his previous leadership as governor.

"I may not agree with him 100%, but I don't agree with anyone 100%," she said. "I had to go with someone I could trust."

She said she felt comfortable voting for him knowing he previously served as governor and is familiar with the city and its challenges.

"A candidate who's handled really complicated times like COVID has the experience to handle things that’ll come their way ahead, like a difficult president," Levine said.

There were at least nine major nominees for the Democratic nomination, including Brad Lander, the current city comptroller; Scott Stringer, the former comptroller; Adrienne Adams, the City Council speaker; and Zellnor Myrie, a state senator. Opinion polls showed only Cuomo and Mamdani had a real shot at winning.

Adams had been running as a Democrat but withdrew from the race earlier this year after being denied public matching funds due to campaign finance fraud allegations against him. He is planning to run as an independent against whoever wins the Democratic primary.