Zohran Mamdani wins the Democratic nomination for mayor after former Gov. Andrew Cuomo concedes to him. The upset came as a shock to many, making the race a remarkable one.
Mamdani, 33, was able to get the attention of young voters to rally behind him. He was able to successfully take on the 67-year-old former governor. If you remember, Cuomo resigned from his position as Governor due to multiple accusations of sexual harassment.
After polls closed at 9 p.m., Mamdani had 44% of the votes, followed by Cuomo’s 36%. During his victory party, Mamdani said to the crowd, “Today, eight months after launching this campaign with the vision of a city that every New Yorker could afford, we have won,” he said. “I will be the mayor for every New Yorker, whether you voted for me, for Gov. 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.”
City Comptroller Brad Lander, crossed-endorsed Mamdani as his number two-pick, which means that for those who voted for him, the additional votes would go to Mamdani in the final tally. “Together, we are sending Andrew Cuomo back to the suburbs,” Lander said at the election party.
Cuomo also released a statement after his concession. “I want to applaud the Assemblyman for a really smart and good and impactful campaign. Tonight was his night. He deserved it. He won.” He also said that he called Mamdani to congratulate him.