Cuomo concedes and congratulates Mamdani for winning New York race
Former New York governor Andrew Cuomo acknowledges Zohran Mamdani’s grassroots campaign after trailing in a tight race that signals a generational and ideological shift in the city’s politics
NEW YORK (MNTV) — Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has conceded defeat to state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary, calling the young lawmaker’s campaign “highly impactful” and “inspiring.”
With 93% of the vote counted, Mamdani led with 43.5% to Cuomo’s 36.4%.
Although Mamdani fell short of the 50% required to avoid ranked-choice elimination rounds, his wide lead prompted Cuomo to call and congratulate him Tuesday night.
“Tonight was Assemblyman Mamdani’s night,” Cuomo told supporters.
“He inspired young people, he moved them to come out and vote. I called him, congratulated him, and applauded him sincerely for his effort. He deserved it. He won.”
Cuomo, a veteran politician, served as governor of New York from 2011 until 2021, when he resigned amid multiple sexual harassment allegations. Once considered a potential U.S. presidential contender, Cuomo was seeking a political comeback, running on his record of infrastructure development and pandemic management.
Earlier, Cuomo’s team had said he had not officially withdrawn from the race.
“I will analyze the ranked-choice results and consult with my colleagues about the best path forward,” he said, noting he remains qualified to run as an independent in November’s general election.
Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist of Indian and Ugandan heritage, addressed cheering supporters after midnight, declaring, “Tonight, we made history.” Quoting Nelson Mandela, he added, “‘It always seems impossible until it is done.’ My friends, we have done it. I will be your Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City.”
The race, one of the most closely watched in the United States, was widely seen as a test between establishment Democrats and a rising progressive movement.
Cuomo relied on name recognition and experience, while Mamdani built momentum through a grassroots campaign centered on affordable housing, economic justice, and youth mobilization.
Alexandra Rojas, executive director of Justice Democrats, hailed Mamdani’s victory as a turning point. “This should put every entrenched, corporate Democrat on notice,” she said. “If you’re not serving everyday people, your time in office is limited.”
She added that Mamdani’s campaign “proved that candidates who speak for working people can defeat the political elite,” calling it part of a larger effort to reshape the Democratic Party nationwide.
Mamdani’s win now sets the stage for a high-stakes general election in November, where his movement-driven campaign is expected to draw national attention as a symbol of the Democratic Party’s evolving identity.
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