Overview

• Zohran Mamdani won the June 24 Democratic primary with about 43 percent of first-choice votes, leading Andrew Cuomo to concede shortly after polls closed.
• He built a grassroots coalition by prioritizing cost-of-living reforms such as rent freezes, free bus service and universal childcare funded by higher taxes on the wealthy.
• A self-described democratic socialist, Mamdani secured high-profile endorsements from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, marking a rebuke to the party’s centrist establishment.
• If elected, he would become New York City’s first Muslim and Indian American mayor, adding historic diversity to City Hall.
• Republicans have signaled plans to highlight his socialist affiliation and criticism of Israel in general election campaigns, underscoring national stakes for the Democratic Party.