Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo formally conceded the Democratic mayoral primary to Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday night, acknowledging his defeat in a race that has stunned much of the city’s political establishment.
With approximately 92% of the vote counted, Mamdani held a clear lead and declared himself the party’s nominee for mayor of New York City, though the final outcome will still be determined by ranked choice voting due to no candidate receiving a majority in the initial round.
Cuomo, addressing his supporters, confirmed he had called Mamdani to congratulate him and signaled his next steps were uncertain, saying his team would “take a look and make some decisions.” While the door remains technically open for an independent bid, the momentum in the Democratic field has shifted unmistakably toward the 33-year-old democratic socialist from Queens.
Mamdani’s victory — if certified — mirrors the 2018 upset by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez over Rep. Joe Crowley, and it has left party insiders and longtime power brokers reevaluating their grip on the city’s Democratic electorate. His campaign, driven by grassroots support, a bold economic populist message, and deep appeal among younger voters, managed to topple Cuomo despite the former governor’s name recognition, funding, and endorsements.
NEW — ERIC ADAMS TELLS FOX NEWS: Zohran Mamdani is “a snake oil salesman.”
“He wants to raise taxes on 1% of New Yorkers…As the mayor, you don’t have the authority to do that! You know who has the authority to do that? An assemblyman — which he is!”
“I’m looking forward to… pic.twitter.com/6qh0yqqGyl
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) June 25, 2025
Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who is expected to announce his reelection campaign this week, wasted no time criticizing Mamdani’s platform. Speaking Wednesday, Adams said, “He will say and do anything to get elected,” pointing specifically to Mamdani’s tax proposals. “He wants to raise taxes on 1% of New Yorkers… As the mayor, you don’t have the authority to do that. An assemblyman does — which he is.”
Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, also preparing for the general election, framed Mamdani’s rise as a sign of broader generational discontent. “Nobody wants to go backwards to Adams or Cuomo. They want to move forward. And if you don’t get millennials on board… you will lose this election,” he said.
Mamdani’s proposals, including free bus service citywide, have gained traction among transit advocates and everyday commuters. “Bus riders make New York possible,” said Betsy Plum, executive director of the Riders Alliance. “In Zohran, we finally have a mayoral nominee who sees us, values our time, and is ready to govern as our rider-in-chief.”
However, not all reactions have been favorable. Several Jewish organizations have voiced concern about Mamdani’s past statements and affiliations, particularly regarding Israel and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Rabbi Moshe Hauer of the Orthodox Union called on Mamdani to distance himself from inflammatory rhetoric and groups associated with anti-Israel activism. “It is time for Mr. Mamdani to move from disturbance to responsibility,” Hauer said, urging the candidate to make clear where he stands as he seeks to lead the city.
