Overview

• Zohran Mamdani led with over 43% of first-choice votes to Andrew Cuomo’s 36% after nearly 95% of ballots counted, prompting Cuomo to concede the Democratic primary.
• Mamdani built his campaign on cutting the cost of living through free bus rides, free childcare and rent freezes funded by higher taxes on top earners.
• New York’s ranked-choice voting system will undergo a weeklong tally of second- and third-preference ballots before any candidate surpasses the 50% threshold required for nomination.
• Endorsements from Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez helped Mamdani mobilize young volunteers and digital supporters behind his progressive agenda.
• Both Cuomo and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams have not ruled out independent runs in November, setting up the potential for a fragmented general election field.