In a dramatic and historic turn of events, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded the 2025 Democratic mayoral primary to State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday night, following a campaign that captivated New York City and signaled a seismic shift in the city’s political landscape. With over 90% of votes counted, Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, led Cuomo by a margin of nearly eight percentage points, securing about 44% of first-choice votes compared to Cuomo’s 36%. The primary, held on a sweltering June day, drew national attention as it pitted a scandal-ridden former governor against an energetic young progressive who energized a new generation of voters with bold proposals for affordability and equity.
What Happened — Timeline, Facts, and Key Details
- Primary Night: As polls closed on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, early returns revealed Mamdani’s commanding lead over Cuomo and a crowded field of Democratic candidates.
- Concession: Less than two hours after the polls closed, Cuomo called Mamdani to concede and congratulate him, telling supporters, “Tonight is his night. He deserved it. He won”.
- Vote Tally: With 90% of votes counted, Mamdani led with nearly 44% of first-choice votes, while Cuomo trailed at 36%. No candidate reached the 50% threshold required to win outright under the city’s ranked-choice voting system, but Mamdani’s lead was considered insurmountable.
- Ranked-Choice Voting: New York City’s ranked-choice system allows voters to rank up to five candidates in order of preference. The official ranked-choice tabulation will be completed on July 1, but Mamdani’s lead is widely expected to hold.
- Policy Focus: Mamdani’s campaign centered on affordability, proposing rent freezes, free buses, city-run grocery stores, and $10 billion in new taxes on corporations and the wealthy.
Reactions and Statements
- Andrew Cuomo: In his concession speech, Cuomo acknowledged Mamdani’s effective campaign, saying, “He put together a great campaign and he touched young people and inspired them and moved them and got them to come out and vote”. Cuomo hinted he might consider an independent run in the general election but made no firm commitment.
- Zohran Mamdani: In his victory speech, Mamdani promised a city that works for all New Yorkers, declaring, “We can achieve freedom and nourishment. We can insist on what we are entitled to”. He highlighted his commitment to affordability and equity, addressing the city’s crisis of unaffordable housing and rising living costs.
- Public Sentiment: Mamdani’s success was driven by a groundswell of grassroots support, particularly among younger, progressive voters, and strong endorsements from figures like Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Meanwhile, many voters expressed frustration with the Democratic establishment and a desire for generational change
Impact and What’s Next
Mamdani’s victory is poised to reshape policy debates at City Hall. His platform — centered on rent control expansion, police reform, and ambitious climate action — will now move from campaign promises to governing priorities.
Political analysts suggest this outcome could embolden progressive candidates in other major cities. Meanwhile, Cuomo’s concession raises questions about his political future after this failed bid to return to office.
The general election in November is expected to be largely a formality, given the city’s strong Democratic majority.
Related Developments
This primary marked the first major NYC race conducted entirely with ranked-choice voting since its implementation. Many observers credited the system with amplifying voter engagement and helping candidates like Mamdani build broad coalitions across diverse communities.
Andrew Cuomo’s concession to Zohran Mamdani closes a dramatic chapter in New York City politics. As Mamdani prepares to transition from the Assembly to City Hall, the focus now turns to how his administration will tackle the city’s pressing challenges — from housing affordability to public safety and climate resilience.
New Yorkers can expect a busy few months ahead as Mamdani begins assembling his mayoral team and outlining his first 100-day agenda.