Cuomo Concedes NYC Mayoral Primary as Zohran Mamdani Eyes Finish Line
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded to the upstart Democratic socialist and New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday night, while votes were still being tallied in the first round of voting in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary race.
Mamdani held an early and consistent lead over Cuomo in the first round, which has not yet been called by the Associated Press, as of 10:48 p.m. ET. The Democratic primary is also far from over, thanks to New York City's ranked choice election system.
The Context
There are 11 candidates on the ballot for the Democratic mayoral nomination, but the race narrowed in recent weeks to a face-off between Cuomo—who resigned from the governorship in disgrace after being accused of sexual harassment—and Mamdani, a first-term assemblyman and son of Indian and Ugandan immigrants who is campaigning to freeze rents, eliminate bus fares and raise taxes on the wealthy.
This year's Democratic primary is also in many ways a referendum on the direction of the party, with Mamdani galvanizing younger, more progressive voters hungry for radical change, versus Cuomo, who represents the old guard and traditional Democratic establishment.
The candidates' bases were reflected in their endorsements heading into Tuesday; Mamdani won the backing of progressive darlings like New York U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and independent U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont, while Cuomo was endorsed by South Carolina U.S. Representative Jim Clyburn, widely seen as a Democratic kingmaker.
Democratic New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo, left, speaks during a primary debate on June 4, while primary foe Zohran Mamdani, right, chats with constituents after a debate at the John Jay College of...
Democratic New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo, left, speaks during a primary debate on June 4, while primary foe Zohran Mamdani, right, chats with constituents after a debate at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice on June 12. More
AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, file and Vincent Alban/The New York Times via AP, Pool, file
What To Know
At his election night party on Tuesday, Cuomo congratulated Mamdani for running a "really smart" campaign, adding: "Tonight was not our night. Tonight was Assemblyman Mamdani's night," adding that his opponent "inspired [voters] and moved them and got them to come out and vote. He really ran a highly impactful campaign."
At the time of publication, Mamdani led Cuomo by a little over 7 percentage points. With 91 percent of the votes counted, no candidate has secured a majority of first-choice votes, meaning the election will very likely proceed to ranked choice voting.
Under this system, the candidate who's ranked first by the fewest number of voters has their votes redistributed to voters' second choice candidate. Voting continues until there are two candidates left, at which point whoever has the most votes wins.
Mamdani built an early lead over Cuomo because the first votes counted were those cast before Election Day, which were expected to be stronger for the state assemblyman than for Cuomo. The Election Day votes started coming in afterward but Mamdani continued maintaining a strong lead over the former governor.
Cuomo also faced strong headwinds from his other opponents, who banded together in urging voters to leave him off their ballots entirely in the days leading up to Tuesday's election.
Democratic candidate and NYC Comptroller Brad Lander told WNYC radio, which interviewed all the major candidates on Monday: "Let's make sure Andrew Cuomo gets nowhere near City Hall." Lander and Mamdani cross-endorsed each other earlier this month.
Zellnor Myrie, New York state senator and another Cuomo rival, told WNYC: "We need fresh leadership, we need to turn the page and we need bold solutions at this moment."
Michael Blake, former New York state lawmaker, also sought to turn voters away from Cuomo, telling WNYC: "You do not have to go back to the name of Andrew Cuomo," adding that it was time to move on from the former governor.
What People Are Saying
Elle Bisgaard-Church, Mamdani's campaign manager, told The New York Times: "We're incredibly grateful for the voters across all five boroughs who, inspired by our vision for a better, affordable future, showed up in record numbers to make their voices heard."
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who is running as an independent in November's general election, said of Mamdani: "I don't agree with Mamdani's policies. We're diametrically opposed to each other. I don't agree with his stance on many things. But I respect the fact he's true to who he is. I don't know who the other folks are."
Lander said at his election night party: "This much is clear: together, we are sending Andrew Cuomo back to the suburbs. With our help, Zohran Mamdani will be the Democratic nominee."
Stephanie Taylor, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, which endorsed Mamdani, said in a statement: "Zohran Mamdani's likely victory shows that a new direction for the Democratic Party is possible - a future of dynamic candidates who appeal to young voters and working class voters with a platform that fights for people, not corporations."
Taylor added: "The old guard establishment of the Democratic Party, fueled by billionaires, did everything they could to defeat Mamdani - and they failed. They continue being wrong about everything, and they need to get out of the way and let a new generation lead."
David Hogg, progressive activist and former co-vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, applauded Mamdani while votes were still being counted, writing on X, formerly Twitter: "The Zohran volunteers are incredible. Movement in the polls like we've seen in the final weeks of the campaign does not happen on its own- especially when Republican billionaires are spending millions trying to destroy you."
He added: "It takes an incredibly strong candidate and volunteers to create the major kind of momentum that we've seen. There were multiple times today I was passing out lit on the street asking people to vote and I would go up to someone and realize it was another Zohran volunteer. Truly amazing stuff on this campaign."
Republican Representative Mike Collins of Georgia wrote on X: "New York City is on the verge of electing a socialist for mayor. Might be time to bring back the committee."
What Happens Next
The election will likely proceed to ranked choice voting.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indianapolis Star
27 minutes ago
- Indianapolis Star
Indianapolis 2027 mayoral race could be 'open season' as Hogsett's grip fades
It's unclear if Mayor Joe Hogsett is running for reelection for a fourth term but his continued fundraising hasn't put speculation to rest. Several potential candidates could be waiting to take over after Hogsett, including state Sen. Andrea Hunley, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears and City-County Council President Vop Osili. Local political observers say that the prospect of Hogsett running again has substantially dimmed due to the fallout over the harassment allegations. The 2027 Indianapolis mayoral race is already quietly underway. Several potential candidates waiting in the wings to take over after Mayor Joe Hogsett — like state Sen. Andrea Hunley, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears, City-County Council President Vop Osili, among others — are weighing a run, setting up a competitive 2027 Democratic primary and general election, according to the politicians themselves or sources familiar with their thinking. Already one candidate, Pike Township Trustee Annette Johnson, said she is planning to run. The conversations have picked up with more vigor since Hogsett has faced calls for resignation by people who are frustrated with his handling of past sexual harassment allegations against his former chief of staff Thomas Cook, calling into question the mayor's own political future. Mears, for example, didn't rule out the idea of running for mayor in 2027 when asked by IndyStar, and sharply criticized Hogsett's response to the harassment allegations, along with a lack of "bold leadership" to address challenges like housing and economic inequality. "If you're fortunate to be in a position of leadership, you need to put the people you serve ahead of your own interests," Mears said. "Your focus should be on how I can help people, and not on trying to maintain power." Mears, who stressed he was focused on serving as prosecutor and his own reelection in 2026, said Indianapolis deserves a leader who will devote "not only the financial capital but the political capital to make significant progress and improvement" on tackling root issues of crime. "Certainly, some of the limitations of being prosecutor is we deal with a lot of the root cause issues in the criminal justice system whether it's housing or economic inequality," Mears said. "I think we have a tremendous opportunity to unify and bring people together if we focus on why we got into the job in the first place which is hopefully to try to help people." Hunley has also more openly talked about her ambitions of late, though she's also already decided to run for reelection to Indiana Senate in 2026. She recently said that city leadership failed survivors of sexual assault and harassment. "Indy needs undistracted leadership," she recently told local political newsletter Importantville. "And I am prayerfully, prayerfully listening, to our community's needs, and I'm keeping all future options on the table. ... We have a city leader who has failed his staff, and he's failed his people, and if he can't take care of them, how can we expect him to take care of us? How can we expect him to take care of our city?" There are also some additional names floating in the air: state Sen. Fady Qaddoura, D-Indianapolis, who has quietly amassed a promising campaign war chest of about $400,000, said "many have asked me to consider a run" for mayor, but he was focusing on "serving the residents of Senate District 30." And former Indianapolis Public School Board member Will Pritchard told IndyStar he is considering a run. And it's unclear whether state Rep. Robin Shackleford, who challenged Hogsett back in the 2023 primary, will try again. Shackleford didn't immediately reply to a request for comment. "This is what you'd consider open season for anyone who wants to run," Johnson said. "I don't see how (Hogsett would) be a viable candidate for 2027. We need new leadership. It's time for an African-American female." Still, the elephant in the room continues to be the mayor's own political intentions. Hogsett has continued to fundraise this year, fueling speculation that he could run for a fourth term, which he hasn't so far put to rest. Will Hogsett run for reelection in 2027? Destiny Wells, a former Democratic statewide candidate who most recently mounted an unsuccessful challenge to lead the state Democratic party, said she's frustrated that Hogsett is "continuing to stretch out this conversation." His campaign finance numbers dwarf those of the Marion County Democratic Party — Hogsett had $720,000 in the bank compared to less than $35,000 for the party at the end of 2024 — which she said is "a structural challenge that's holding Democrats back." "The real conversation needs to be about where political power and resources are concentrated," Wells said. "Right now, much of Marion County's donor network remains tied to Mayor Hogsett, making it difficult for new Democratic leaders to emerge and grow." Through a campaign spokesperson, Hogsett didn't answer directly when IndyStar asked whether he's decided to run again or if he's ruled it out. "Mayor Hogsett continues to be focused on the remaining 2.5 years of this term and delivering on the promises of improved public safety, stronger infrastructure and enhanced quality of life that Indianapolis voters overwhelmingly supported in 2023," Emily Gurwitz said. But local political observers say that the prospect of him running again has substantially dimmed due to the fallout over the harassment allegations. "This is such easy ammunition (for an election) that supersedes partisanship," said Laura Merrifield Wilson, associate political science professor at the University of Indianapolis. "This is something that would presumably speak to both sides, and arguably speak to Democrats more that see this as a serious concern and issue. " What remains to be seen is Hogsett's continued ability to fundraise, Merrifield Wilson said. He raised nearly $800,000 in 2024, an off-year for municipal elections. It won't be clear what he's raked in in 2025 until early next year due to the timing of campaign finance deadlines. "He's known for being a prolific fundraiser," she said. "That matters quite a bit. If you had a strong challenge that can underscore that they're able to fundraise, that would cut him at the knees." Then there's the question of what happens politically to people seen as Hogsett's allies, particularly Osili. He caught flak earlier this month, and separate calls for resignation, after ordering sheriffs to forcibly remove Lauren Roberts, a former campaign staffer accusing Cook of harassment and workplace abuse, from finishing her testimony at City-County Council. Two days later, he said he "failed Ms. Roberts." Merrifield Wilson said she thinks the situation is "survivable" for Osili but puts him in a tricky position moving forward if he feels a need to put more sunlight between himself and Hogsett. "Where does that funding go?" Wilson said. "It makes sense to go to Osili." Could the fallout over harassment scandal help Republicans? Indianapolis Republicans, who have been in the political wilderness in Marion County over the last decade despite their dominance in the state legislature and in statewide political offices, also see opportunity in 2027. They've fallen short by substantial margins in each of the mayoral races since former Republican Mayor Greg Ballard 's 2011 win. "The (Democratic) party is imploding, and Republicans can stand idly by," Merrifield Wilson said. "Hogsett has won handily, but this could be an opportunity for Republicans to mount an effective challenger there." Most of the Council's six-member Republican caucus has so far held back on calling for Hogsett to resign. Just one member, Joshua Bain, has done so. Still, new Marion County GOP chair Natalie Goodwin said she's eying 2027 with more optimism in light of recent events. "Iron sharpens iron," Goodwin said. "For a city of Indy's magnitude, we have to have two strong parties pushing against each other to get the best outcomes. We're a decade in to essentially one-party rule and we're seeing the decay of what happens when there isn't an efficient challenger." Goodwin said her job now is to find the "best candidates possible who we think can lead with integrity and do what's best to serve their constituents." "I think the city is really hungry for a bold new vision," Goodwin said.
New York Post
31 minutes ago
- New York Post
Zohran Mamdani victory in NYC mayoral primary is ‘political earthquake' for the Democratic Party
Socialist Zohran Mamdani's stunning victory over three-term ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo in Tuesday's mayoral primary is a 'political earthquake' that will pressure the national Democratic Party to move further left, political analysts told The Post. Dems who got trounced by President Trump and the GOP last year will have to pay more attention to the views of progressive, younger voters who propelled Mamdani's candidacy — as well as struggling working class voters — as they prepare for midterm congressional elections, strategists, pollsters and union leaders said. 'It's an important moment in political history,' said Basil Smikle, a former executive director of the New York State Democratic Party and senior aide to then-Sen. Hillary Clinton. 7 Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani declared victory in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary. Getty Images 'He toppled a big name. It's an amazing feat,' Smikle said. Cuomo conceded to Mamdani Tuesday night, after trailing by roughly 70,000 votes — or 43% to 36% — with 96% of the precincts reported. 'Mamdani's victory provides a moment for progressives and younger voters to shape the future of the Democratic Party. There is no doubt,' Smikle said. Mamdani, 33, a two-term Queens assemblyman, replicated on a citywide scale what fellow socialist Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez accomplished in one congressional district when she toppled former Congressman Joe Crowley in the 2018 Democratic primary, with a new coalition that included younger voters. 'It's a political earthquake,' said Lee Miringoff, director of the Marist Institute for Public Opinion. 'An unknown defeating Andrew Cuomo is a changing of the guard. More Democratic voters are younger and their views have to be taken into account.' 7 Former NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo conceded to Mamdani on Tuesday. John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock Smikle said the support that Mamdani assembled also reminded him of the multi-racial coalition that David Dinkins drew together to get elected New York City's first black mayor in 1989. Others mentioned former President Barack Obama's ascendancy to the White House, defeating Hillary Clinton in the Democratic primary in 2008. 'The results of this primary are epic,' said Transport Workers Union president John Samuelsen, one of the few labor leaders to pay Mamdani any mind, while most others backed Cuomo. Mamdani's economic populist proposals to make life more affordable — by soaking the rich with higher taxes to pay for freebies — resonated with blue collar voters, including bus and subway workers he represents, Samuelsen said. He applauded Mamdani's plan to provide free bus fares — which critics panned as impractical — and showed up to speak at one of the candidate's rallies during the final stretch of the campaign. 7 New York's Attorney General Letitia James and US Representative Nydia Velazquez attended a watch party for Mamdani's primary election. REUTERS 'Mamdani ran as an economic populist. It was a campaign about affordability,' Samuelsen said. 'The typical worker is socially moderate and an economic populist,' he said. 'Democrats have not pushed an economic program for working people and that's why they lost to Trump. They abandoned working people. Mamdani reconnected with them.' Cuomo is just the latest scandal-scarred candidate to fail in a comeback bid after resigning as governor in 2021 while facing sexual misconduct accusations he denies. Keep up with today's most important news Stay up on the very latest with Evening Update. Thanks for signing up! Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Never miss a story. Check out more newsletters Others defeated in comeback bids include former Gov. Eliot Spitzer and Anthony Weiner, who lost Tuesday night in a race for City Council. Democratic sources said Mamdani and his campaign outhustled Cuomo, despite $25 million funneled into a pro-Cuomo Fix The City Super Pac that pummeled the assemblyman with TV ads and scores of labor unions that backed him. Mamdani's campaign volunteers seemed to be everywhere on primary day, far more present than the Cuomo campaign. 7 Cuomo told supporters on Tuesday, 'Tonight was not our night, tonight, it was Assemblyman Mamdani's night.' Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Post 'The unions that backed Cuomo, like the Carpenters, do not have many members that vote in New York City and they did not mount a serious 'Get Out The Vote' effort,' said John Mollenkopf, director CUNY's Center for Urban Research, who teaches political science. 'The independent expenditure efforts on his behalf were scare-mongering and not very convincing. I think they turned off as many voters to Cuomo as they added to his tally,' Mollenkopf said. 'The Working Families Party and related cross-endorsements, especially that of (City Comptroller) Brad Lander, were crucial for Mamdani's lead,' he said. 'It was built on young voters' disaffection with the Democratic Party establishment.' One Democratic Party source said a Mamdani victory will cause headaches for other party incumbents. 7 Mamdani's watch party was packed with passionate supporters on Tuesday night. REUTERS Fellow democratic socialists may feel emboldened to challenge Democratic incumbents for Congress, the source said, particularly mentioning Reps. Dan Goldman and Jerry Nadler. 'What does Gov. Kathy Hochul do? Does she endorse Mamdani as the Democratic nominee? What does Chuck Schumer do?' the source asked, referring to the Senate minority leader from New York. In 2021, Hochul stayed neutral in Buffalo's mayoral race when then-incumbent Byron Brown lost to democratic socialist India Walton in the party's primary. Brown then won re-election in a landslide as a write-in candidate. 7 James spoke during Mamdani's election night gathering after he secured the Democratic nomination for mayor. Getty Images The source wondered whether Hochul would back incumbent New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who is running in the November general election as an independent. But Hochul, the de-facto head of the state Democratic Party who is up for re-election next year, put out a statement Tuesday night congratulating Mamdani and seemed open to supporting him. 'Today, voters made their voices heard, demanding a more affordable, more livable New York City. I hear them loud and clear,' she said. 'Zohran Mamdani built a formidable grassroots coalition, and I look forward to speaking with him in the days ahead about his ideas on how to ensure a safe, affordable, and livable New York City.' Still, Mamdani's leftist vision on public safety and strident opposition to Israel may not play as well in the general election as in the primary. 7 Mamdani spoke on stage with fellow candidate Comptroller Brad Lander at his primary election party. AP Adams, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, could benefit from Mamdani's primary victory over Cuomo. The mayor, who is saddled by his own corruption scandals despite federal charges being dropped, can run as the more moderate, law and order and fiscally responsible candidate, citing a drop in crime and an improved post-COVID-19 pandemic economy. Sliwa can make the same argument. Lawyer Jim Walden also is running as an independent. Cuomo also could run on an independent 'Fight & Deliver' ballot line, but many supporters may now switch to Mamdani, as he's the Democratic nominee. The vibe inside Adams' camp was 'very good' on Tuesday night, sources told The Post. 'This is it. The fight for New York's future begins tonight,' his campaign account posted on X, imploring supporters to 'Join us—knock doors, make calls, chip in.' Sliwa, meanwhile, immediately painted Mamdani as far from the mainstream. 'Zohran Mamdani is too extreme for a city already on edge. This race is not over,' he said.
Chicago Tribune
35 minutes ago
- Chicago Tribune
Editorial: Is CTU's playbook coming to a school district near you, Illinoisans?
Most Illinoisans think CTU-style teachers union tactics are limited to Chicago. But will that stay the case? In an estimated 52 school districts across Illinois, contracts with unions affiliated with the Illinois Federation of Teachers are expiring this year. Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates serves as executive vice president at the IFT. So is there reason to worry that other IFT affiliates will adopt Chicago's aggressive 'bargaining for the common good' model? Here's some background. Local teachers unions fall under the umbrella of state- and national-level unions. For example, CTU Local 1 is an affiliate of IFT. IFT is the state affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers, which is one of the two major national teachers unions, the other being the National Education Association. While both are aligned with Democratic causes, AFT is generally more progressive and politically aggressive. Its longtime president, Randi Weingarten, is a political lightning rod. IFT has affiliates all over the state, including Chicago, Quincy, East St. Louis and Peoria, as well as a number of Chicago suburbs. IFT doesn't run local contract negotiations but heavily influences them by providing legal, financial, tactical and ideological support. The Illinois Policy Institute, which analyzed districts' affiliations and negotiation schedules, has argued these districts should be prepared for aggressive negotiation tactics. That's a reasonable concern. After all, we just lived through the most recent CTU contract negotiation, which featured repeated CTU-encouraged attempts by Mayor Brandon Johnson, former CTU organizer and staunch union ally, to fire the CEO of Chicago Public Schools. That CEO, Pedro Martinez, had the temerity to refuse to give in to every one of the union's demands. We still haven't forgotten the tensions that arose from previous negotiations, especially in 2012 when this militant version of the CTU first emerged, waging a prolonged, large-scale strike that saw teachers and CTU supporters take en masse to the streets. More recently, as the latest contract negotiations were just beginning, Davis Gates half-jokingly informed a March 2024 City Club of Chicago audience that the city's moneyed interests ought to be prepared to pony up '$50 billion and 3 cents' to pay for the union's demands. It struck us as poignant that Davis Gates returned to the City Club Monday making similar statements, albeit with somewhat less bravado. What a difference a year makes. The CTU president's extreme message increasingly is falling on deaf ears. The mayor she played such an important role in electing in 2023 is unpopular and struggling to wrangle the City Council to support his priorities. Chicagoans last year elected their own school board members for the first time ever, and CTU's endorsed candidates fared poorly. In short, a union that turned itself into a political machine is itself unpopular and significantly weakened. Teachers unions once could count on majority support from the public. CTU's favorables are well under water, testifying to just how much the union has overreached. On Monday, Davis Gates didn't do herself or her cause any favors with provocative messaging about how Chicago's children are CTU's kids, too. That sort of rhetoric might land better coming from a more traditional teachers union focused mainly on the classroom, but not from this messianic group of ultra-leftists. She also showed a continued disregard for CPS' dismal fiscal situation, pushing once again for reckless borrowing to plug a $529 million budget deficit for the fiscal year that begins July 1. 'These are not math problems,' she said. Actually, they are math problems. And the union's refusal to face hard numbers contributes to the district's ongoing fiscal strain, which ultimately affects classroom conditions. CTU's 'bargaining for the common good' approach extends well beyond wages and benefits. The union's recent demands included climate initiatives like solar panels and electric buses, 10,000 affordable housing units, police-free schools and limits on charter schools — a sweeping political agenda inappropriately sought through union negotiations. In the end — in no small part due to the Chicago voters' rejection of CTU's agenda via the November school board elections — CPS teachers ratified a contract that largely mirrored what CPS leadership had offered for months. Union members' unfortunate reelection a few months ago of Davis Gates as their president only makes it highly likely we'll revisit this radical agenda four years from now in yet another fraught contract negotiation. So here's where we differ with the Illinois Policy argument. We just can't imagine the CTU agenda playing with either school boards or the broader communities in the suburbs and downstate. Time will tell. What will bargaining for the common good look like in downstate Joppa, where an IFT affiliate represents local teachers? That district sits in Massac County, along the Kentucky state line, where 74% of votes cast in 2024 went to President Donald Trump. Or Quincy School District 172, where Trump won nearly 73% of the 2024 vote. 'Trump has picked his side. … He is here to win the relitigation of the Civil War and finish the work of the Confederacy,' Davis Gates said Monday. Equating support for Trump with Confederate sympathizing is inflammatory and likely to alienate residents in the very communities where IFT affiliates will be bargaining. The point we're making is that there's a mismatch between IFT's modus operandi and the politics of many of the suburban and downstate districts where they'll be negotiating soon. Still, in many conservative areas, schools are among the largest employers, making it likelier that, at least on the wages and benefits side of contract negotiations, IFT's influence could mean significant costs for suburban and downstate taxpayers. Downstate teachers aren't nearly as well compensated as Chicago teachers. The median CPS teacher will be paid $98,000 next year. So as these negotiations begin in places politically and culturally distinct from Chicago, local taxpayers and school boards would be wise to pay attention. Attend school board meetings. Ask questions. And learn from Chicago's example.
