Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Democratic Socialist lawmaker, is on course to win the Democratic primary for New York City mayor. The race took a sharp turn when former Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded defeat late Tuesday night.
"I called Zohran Mamdani to congratulate him," Cuomo said, acknowledging the outcome even though full results won’t be declared until 1 July.
According to the New York City Board of Elections, Mamdani secured 43.5% of the first-choice votes, while Cuomo followed with 36.3%. These initial numbers include in-person voting and absentee ballots received by 20 June.
Ranked-choice voting: A key advantage for Mamdani
The mayoral race used ranked-choice voting, which allows voters to list up to five candidates in order of preference. While Cuomo’s campaign leaned heavily on a $25 million super PAC and wide media coverage, Mamdani employed a more targeted strategy.
He cross-endorsed Brad Lander — who finished third — in a move designed to maximise second-choice votes. This could give Mamdani a significant boost once the ranked-choice count begins.
The Board of Elections will begin processing these ranked preferences on 1 July. Over 900,000 ballots are being assessed, and the full certification is expected after all eligible absentee ballots — including corrected ones — are returned by 14 July.
Borough President Races: Mostly status quo
In borough contests, several incumbents retained their positions.
In The Bronx, Borough President Vanessa Gibson beat City Councilmember Rafael Salamanca. Brooklyn’s Antonio Reynoso held off a challenge from Khari Edwards, a cannabis company executive.
Manhattan saw State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal win over Councilmember Keith Powers in the borough president race.
District Attorneys retain seats in Brooklyn and Manhattan
Brooklyn and Manhattan also voted for their district attorneys, though these races did not use ranked-choice voting.
Incumbents Eric Gonzalez (Brooklyn) and Alvin Bragg (Manhattan) both defended their seats successfully against challengers.
City Council: Incumbents hold off challengers
All 51 City Council seats were contested. A few races stood out.
In Brooklyn, Shahana Hanif defeated Maya Kornberg, while Alexa Aviles held her seat against Ling Ye.
Manhattan’s Chris Marte led over Elizabeth Lewinsohn and Jess Coleman.
In The Bronx, Pierina Sanchez won decisively against Fernando Cabrera, who was attempting a return to his former Council post.
Although Mamdani appears likely to secure the Democratic nomination, the final result depends on ranked-choice tabulations and absentee vote corrections. The official certification from the Board of Elections will follow after the 14 July deadline for valid absentee ballots. Until then, the outcome, while leaning in Mamdani’s favour, remains open.
"I called Zohran Mamdani to congratulate him," Cuomo said, acknowledging the outcome even though full results won’t be declared until 1 July.
According to the New York City Board of Elections, Mamdani secured 43.5% of the first-choice votes, while Cuomo followed with 36.3%. These initial numbers include in-person voting and absentee ballots received by 20 June.
Ranked-choice voting: A key advantage for Mamdani
The mayoral race used ranked-choice voting, which allows voters to list up to five candidates in order of preference. While Cuomo’s campaign leaned heavily on a $25 million super PAC and wide media coverage, Mamdani employed a more targeted strategy.
He cross-endorsed Brad Lander — who finished third — in a move designed to maximise second-choice votes. This could give Mamdani a significant boost once the ranked-choice count begins.
The Board of Elections will begin processing these ranked preferences on 1 July. Over 900,000 ballots are being assessed, and the full certification is expected after all eligible absentee ballots — including corrected ones — are returned by 14 July.
Borough President Races: Mostly status quo
In borough contests, several incumbents retained their positions.
In The Bronx, Borough President Vanessa Gibson beat City Councilmember Rafael Salamanca. Brooklyn’s Antonio Reynoso held off a challenge from Khari Edwards, a cannabis company executive.
Manhattan saw State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal win over Councilmember Keith Powers in the borough president race.
District Attorneys retain seats in Brooklyn and Manhattan
Brooklyn and Manhattan also voted for their district attorneys, though these races did not use ranked-choice voting.
Incumbents Eric Gonzalez (Brooklyn) and Alvin Bragg (Manhattan) both defended their seats successfully against challengers.
City Council: Incumbents hold off challengers
All 51 City Council seats were contested. A few races stood out.
In Brooklyn, Shahana Hanif defeated Maya Kornberg, while Alexa Aviles held her seat against Ling Ye.
Manhattan’s Chris Marte led over Elizabeth Lewinsohn and Jess Coleman.
In The Bronx, Pierina Sanchez won decisively against Fernando Cabrera, who was attempting a return to his former Council post.
Although Mamdani appears likely to secure the Democratic nomination, the final result depends on ranked-choice tabulations and absentee vote corrections. The official certification from the Board of Elections will follow after the 14 July deadline for valid absentee ballots. Until then, the outcome, while leaning in Mamdani’s favour, remains open.
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