Summary
Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old state assemblyman, won the Democratic primary over former Governor Andrew Cuomo to become the likely candidate for New York City mayor. If he wins the mayoral election, Mamdani will be the first Muslim and Indian-origin mayor of the city. His victory came as a surprise since polls showed Cuomo in the lead, but Mamdani’s grassroots campaign attracted strong support from younger voters and progressives.
Key Facts
- Zohran Mamdani, 33, won the Democratic primary against former Governor Andrew Cuomo for New York City mayor.
- Mamdani is of South Asian descent and will be the first Muslim and Indian-origin mayor if he wins in November.
- He is currently a state assemblyman and ran a grassroots campaign with volunteer support.
- Mamdani led the first-choice votes with 43.5%, while Cuomo had 36.4%.
- Since no one had over 50% of first-choice votes, the ranked-choice voting system was used, benefiting Mamdani.
- Cuomo was expected to win based on early polls showing him in the lead, but support for Mamdani increased near election time.
- Ranked-choice voting involves eliminating candidates with the fewest votes and redistributing their supporters' second choices.
- Mamdani gained significant support from younger and progressive voters, especially in areas like Queens and Brooklyn.
