NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) – State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, has won the Democratic primary for New York City mayor.
The city’s Board of Elections released the full results of ranked-choice voting Tuesday. Mamdani had already declared victory – and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo conceded – after first-round votes were tallied last week.
When he declared victory, Mamdani held the lead with 43.5% of the vote. After a full count of ranked choice votes, Mamdani won with 56% of the vote, according to Board of Elections data.
His showing in the primary has already sent shockwaves across New York City.
“Tonight, we made history. In the words of Nelson Mandela, ‘It always seems impossible until it is done,’” Mamdani said on election night. “My friends, we have done it.”
Mamdani started the race as an underdog, polling at 18% in March. He quickly emerged as the lead contender to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who led a crowded pool of Democratic candidates for much of the campaign season.
Affordability has been a key issue for Mamdani’s campaign. The 33-year-old has promised a slate of affordability reforms, including free bus fare, universal childcare, and a rent freeze for stabilized units.
To pay, Mamdani has proposed increased taxes for New Yorkers making at least $1 million per year and a corporate income tax increase.
He’s faced some pushback as some say the taxes will push businesses and wealthy residents out, and for his stance on Israel.
Mamdani gained the support of many key politicians and institutions, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders. He was endorsed by two other mayoral candidates, Comptroller Brad Lander and Michael Blake.
Other Democratic politicians, like New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, have said they’d like to sit down with Mamdani before endorsing him.
Now, Mamdani sets his sights on the general election in November, where he could still face off against Cuomo. In June, Como told PIX11 News he plans to be on the November ballot regardless of the primary results. He recently created an independent party called the “Fight and Deliver” party.
Mamdani will also face off against Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, independent candidate Mayor Eric Adams and independent candidate Jim Walden in November.
For more New York City primary election results, click here.
