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By Etan Nechin
NEW YORK – Zohran Mamdani, a 33‑year‑old Queens assemblyman, appeared to pull off a stunning upset in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary Tuesday night, beating former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
"Tonight, we made history. In the words of Nelson Mandela, it always seems impossible until it is done. My friends, we have done it. I will be your Democratic nominee for the mayor of New York City," he said to a packed venue in Queens."
As of 11:15 P.M., with 90.5 percent of the vote counted, Mamdani led with 43.1 percent of first‑choice votes, followed by Cuomo at 36.3 percent and City Comptroller Brad Lander with 11.4 percent. Ranked‑choice calculations will continue, with official results expected by July 1.
Cuomo conceded on election night, declaring, "Tonight was not our night. Tonight was Assemblyman Mamdani's night." He said he called Mamdani to congratulate him, but left open the possibility of pursuing a path to the November ballot as an independent under the "Fight and Deliver" party he established.
"We have won because New Yorkers have stood up for a city they can afford," Mamdani said."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. Where rent-stabilized apartments are actually stabilized. Where buses are fast and free. Where child care doesn't cost more than CUNY. And where public safety keeps us truly safe."
Mamdani also took aim at the current administration, saying he wants to lead a city where the mayor "has the power to reject Trump's fascism."
New York Governor Kathy Hochul took to X to congratulate Mamdani on building what she called a "strong grassroots coalition," adding that she "look[s] forward to speaking with him in the days ahead about his ideas on how to ensure a safe, affordable, and livable New York City."
Brad Lander, the city's comptroller and highest-ranking Jewish elected official, finished third. In a concession speech in Brooklyn, he expressed confidence that Mamdani would ultimately win the nomination.
"Andrew Cuomo is in the past. He is not the present or future of New York City. Good fuckin' riddance," Lander said to loud applause.
Lander, who had cross-endorsed his campaign with Mamdani's, emphasized the coalition they built. "We are not going to let anyone divide Muslim New Yorkers and Jewish New Yorkers," he said. Mamdani praised Lander: "Together we have shown the power of the politics of the future. One of partnership and of sincerity."
Cuomo attacked Mamdani's positions on Israel, arguing they threatened Jewish voters. Mamdani responded that public criticism of Israeli policy is not antisemitic, and cautioned against exploiting the issue for political gain.
Mamdani addressed the issue, saying: "Many of us have strong opinions about what happens overseas, as I do – grounded in a demand for equality, for humanity, for all those who walk this earth. You have my word to reach further, to understand the perspectives of those with whom I disagree, and to wrestle deeply with those disagreements."
Reactions within the Jewish community were divided. Audrey Sasson, executive director of Jews for Racial and Economic Justice – an organization that backed both Mamdani and Lander – praised their shared approach.
"One story of this mayoral election is that a progressive Jew and a Muslim socialist teamed up by refusing to attack one another and staying focused on preventing Cuomo's comeback," she said. "Their collaboration has been a model of principled leadership … New Yorkers chose to reject fear and division, lean into solidarity, and demand more for our city and ourselves."