Democratic socialist Mamdani claims victory against Cuomo in NYC mayoral primary

Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani claimed victory over former three-term governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor June 24, delivering a major upset in one of the nation’s most closely watched primaries.

With 96% of ballots counted as of Wednesday morning, unofficial results indicated that Mamdani, a 33-year-old state assemblyman originally from Uganda, secured 43.5% of the vote, while Cuomo trailed at 36.4%. Voter turnout was strong for a Democratic primary, with nearly one million ballots cast. According to NYC Board of Elections tallies, Mamdani carried approximately 432,000 votes to Cuomo’s 362,000.

“We have won because New Yorkers have stood up for a city they can afford,” Mamdani told supporters late Tuesday night. “A city where they can do more than just struggle. One where those who toil in the night can enjoy the fruits of their labor in the day. Where hard work is repaid with a stable life. Where eight hours on the factory floor or behind the wheel of a cab is enough to pay the mortgage.” 

Mamdani’s progressive campaign drew heavy backing from the Democratic Party’s left flank, including endorsements from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt.

Throughout the race, Mamdani framed himself as a direct challenge to President Donald Trump’s administration. 

“I am Donald Trump’s worst nightmare,” he said at one debate, “as a progressive Muslim immigrant who actually fights for the things that I believe in.”

According to Fox News, the assemblyman’s platform includes eliminating bus fares in the city, freezing rents on municipal housing, providing “free childcare” for children up to age five, and making City University of New York tuition-free. His website also includes a plan to allocate $65 million for “gender-affirming care” for both children and adults.

In Tuesday’s speech, Mamdani added that he aims to make New York a place “where the mayor will use their power to reject Donald Trump’s fascism, to stop mass ICE agents from deporting our neighbors and to govern our city as a model for the Democratic Party.”

Cuomo’s campaign repeatedly attacked Mamdani as a “dangerously inexperienced legislator” and highlighted his provocative rhetoric regarding Israel, Fox News reported.

Despite the loss, Cuomo hinted at a potential independent run in November.

“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,” Cuomo told The New York Times. 

Mamdani now advances into November’s general election, where he will face Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa and current Mayor Eric Adams, who is seeking re-election as an independent.

Adams, a moderate Democrat who previously worked with the Trump administration on the border crisis, dropped out of the Democratic primary earlier this year following a now-dismissed bribery investigation. Announcing his run as an Independent April 3, he cited a need for “independent leadership” in the city.

In his Tuesday victory speech, Mamdani said, “Whether you voted for me, or 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.”

The post Democratic socialist Mamdani claims victory against Cuomo in NYC mayoral primary appeared first on CatholicVote org.