Zohran Mamdani: Socialist wins New York City's Democratic mayoral primary - with promises of free buses and new apartments
A self-described socialist has won New York City's Democratic mayoral primary.
Zohran Mamdani is a 33-year-old state lawmaker - and ran a campaign that was laser-focused on the high cost of living.
Slickly produced social media videos set out his vision of free buses, free childcare, new apartments and a higher minimum wage - paid for by new taxes on the rich.
If elected when voters head to the polls in November, he would be the city's first Muslim and Indian mayor.
The primary result is a blow for former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, who was attempting to make a political comeback from a sexual harassment scandal.
He had been a firm favourite throughout the race because of his deep experience, but Mr Mamdani had won the support of the party's progressive wing.
Current mayor Eric Adams is set to run as an independent following an uproar over his indictment on corruption charges.
Mr Cuomo confirmed he has conceded to his Democratic rival, adding: "We are going to take a look and make some tough decisions. Tonight is his night."
Votes are still being counted - and the outcome of this race could indicate the type of leader Democrats are looking for during Donald Trump's second term.
Mr Mamdani attracted endorsements from prominent progressives including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders.
But critics have argued that he lacks the experience to handle crises, with Mr Cuomo claiming he was unqualified during the campaign.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Reuters
35 minutes ago
- Reuters
US will not sanction Russia yet, Rubio tells Politico
June 25 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Politico that the United States will not impose further sanctions on Russia yet, and still wants room to negotiate a peace deal. "If we did what everybody here wants us to do, and that is come in and crush them with more sanctions, we probably lose our ability to talk to them about the ceasefire and then who's talking to them?," Rubio told Politico in an interview on the sidelines of the NATO summit. Rubio added that President Donald Trump will "know the right time and place" for new economic measures against Russia, and that the administration is working with Congress to make sure they allow Trump the appropriate flexibility, Politico reported. "If there's an opportunity for us to make a difference and get them (Russia) to the table, we're going to take it," Rubio said.
Sky News
an hour ago
- Sky News
Israel-Iran live: Trump doubles down on 'obliteration' of Iranian nuclear facilities in US strikes despite intel leak
At the NATO summit, Donald Trump has again rejected reports that US intelligence is suggesting strikes on Iran didn't destroy nuclear sites. He also says the Israel-Iran ceasefire is "going well". Listen to the latest episode of The World below as you scroll.
Times
an hour ago
- Times
Trump should not defy judges' orders, Americans say
M ost Americans believe President Trump has crossed the line with his criticism of the US court system and should not be allowed to defy judges' orders, polling for The Times shows. After the president warned that 'nothing will stop me' and attacked 'communist radical-left judges' for trying to curb his power, a poll by Public First found that 56 per cent of respondents agreed that Trump had gone too far in his criticism, compared with 21 per cent who disagreed. However, Trump retains support from those who voted for him last year. Among this group, only 30 per cent believed Trump had gone too far, with 42 per cent disagreeing. Across both parties, most Americans believed that Trump should follow court rulings. Both Trump and Harris voters disagreed with the statement 'the president should be able to ignore rulings from the Supreme Court that go against their campaign pledges.'
