On June 25, 2025, Zohran Mamdani declared a stunning victory over former Governor Andrew Cuomo. With 95% of precincts reporting, the 33-year-old State Assemblyman had secured 44% of first-choice votes to Cuomo’s 36%. The win positions Mamdani as the presumptive Democratic nominee against Mayor Eric Adams in the November general election. Supporters erupted in cheers at a watch party in Long Island City, where Mamdani invoked Nelson Mandela. “Tonight, we made history,” he said, quoting Mandela’s famous line, “It always seems impossible until it is done.” The remarks framed his campaign as a historic breakthrough for progressives and first-generation Americans alike. Mamdani’s ascent comes amid a wave of discontent with establishment politics. His bold proposals for rent freezes, public transportation, and city-run groceries struck a chord. In Queens’ Flushing and Corona neighbourhoods, outreach to South Asian and Muslim voters translated into decisive turnout. Backed By Ocasio-cortez And Sanders, Mamdani’s Digital-first Campaign Defeated Cuomo’s Old Guard The campaign began in October 2024 as a long-shot bid by a little-known democratic socialist legislator. By the primary, Mamdani had built what he called “the largest volunteer operation in NYC history,” leveraging 50,000 field volunteers and $8 million in small-donor contributions. Backing from Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez provided momentum and credibility among left-leaning voters. Social media became Mamdani’s primary battleground. His team produced viral content, TikTok explainers, and even a borough-wide walk documented on Instagram. Meanwhile, Cuomo leaned on a $25 million war chest, a super PAC titled “Fix the City,” and endorsements from labour unions and former Mayor Bloomberg. A strategic cross-endorsement with City Comptroller Brad Lander played a pivotal role. Lander asked his supporters to rank Mamdani second, and his $500,000 ad blitz against Cuomo tipped undecided voters. Ranked-choice mechanics amplified Mamdani’s coalition and enabled him to consolidate progressive blocs. Turnout Reached Historic Highs, With Nearly 1 Million Ballots Cast And Youth Vote Leading The Surge Election turnout soared to 980,782—a 5% increase from 2021 and the highest in a Democratic mayoral primary since 1989. Exit polls indicated that 40% of early voters were under 40, with overwhelming support for Mamdani. Hispanic, Asian, and Muslim communities in Queens and Brooklyn reported voting in record numbers. Cuomo conceded shortly after midnight, offering respect while hinting at future plans. “Tonight was Assemblyman Mamdani’s night,” he said, acknowledging the grassroots power that propelled the upset. But his campaign left open the possibility of a general election comeback under his “Fight and Deliver” ballot line. The primary was a battle for the soul of the Democratic Party. Mamdani’s insurgent campaign painted Cuomo as a relic of transactional politics. Cuomo countered by painting Mamdani as too extreme, highlighting his lack of experience and past controversies involving pro-Palestinian activism. Mamdani’s Pro-Gaza Advocacy And Refusal To Sponsor Certain Resolutions Drew Sharp Media Scrutiny A 2023 hunger strike for a Gaza ceasefire outside the White House earned Mamdani national attention. Critics used it to question his stance on Jewish concerns, noting he hadn’t sponsored Holocaust remembrance resolutions in the Assembly. Fix the City aired ads suggesting Mamdani aligned with “divisive student protestors” amid Israel-Hamas tensions. Mamdani rejected those claims in clear terms. He affirmed Israel’s right to exist with equal rights for all citizens and condemned antisemitism. Groups like Jews for Racial and Economic Justice issued statements defending Mamdani and denouncing the attack ads as fear-mongering. Despite the noise, Mamdani’s policy focus remained tightly disciplined. His promise of 200,000 new affordable housing units and free city buses was repeated at every rally and social post. By contrast, Cuomo’s campaign appeared reactive—more focused on stopping Mamdani than advancing its own agenda. General Election Looms As A Four-way Contest, With Adams, Sliwa, And Possibly Cuomo In The Fray The November general election now shapes up as a volatile four-way race. Eric Adams, running as an independent after federal corruption charges were dropped, remains a wildcard with a 19% approval rating. Republican Curtis Sliwa, who calls Mamdani “too extreme for a city on edge,” is mobilizing Staten Island and outer-borough conservatives. Should Cuomo run as an independent, Mamdani would face a three-pronged challenge: the political centre, right, and status quo. Business leaders and moderates have already warned of “capital flight” and “uncertainty” under a Mamdani mayoralty. Kathy Wylde, president of the Partnership for NYC, said, “There will be a serious surge to block him if he wins the primary.” Mamdani’s $10 billion tax proposal—targeting corporations and wealthy residents—requires Albany approval. Governor Hochul congratulated Mamdani but added, “We look forward to working together on what’s best for a safe and affordable New York.” Her cautious tone reflects potential institutional resistance despite party alignment. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News and around the World.