Zohran Mamdani Leads New York City Mayoral Primary as Cuomo Concedes

Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, is poised to become New York's first Muslim mayor if elected, leading in the city's Democratic primary with 43.5% of the vote after 91% counted. Former governor Andrew Cuomo conceded with 36.4% and praised Mamdani's campaign. Progressive Brad Lander was third with 11.4%.

New York City uses ranked-choice voting, and the final result may take days as second-choice candidates are tallied. Mamdani, who cross-endorsed with Lander, is expected to benefit from this system.

Mamdani's unexpected success challenges the Democratic establishment and energizes progressives nationwide. Cuomo, backed by donors and centrist figures, acknowledged Mamdani's appeal to young voters.

The race for New York mayor, closely watched across the US, symbolizes the Democratic Party's search for direction post-Trump. Mamdani's progressive platform and grassroots support contrasted with Cuomo's well-funded but less visible campaign.

Despite Cuomo's potential independent run in November, Mamdani is favored to win as New York's 11th mayor, given the city's Democratic leanings and Eric Adams' unpopularity.

According to the source: The Guardian.