By Michael V. Cusenza
In a development that stunned city politicos, Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria) on Tuesday won the Democratic primary for mayor, besting Hollis-born former Gov. Andrew Cuomo 43.5 percent to 36.4 percent.
Though the primary was ranked-choice, Cuomo conceded late Tuesday night. Mamdani, the self-professed democratic socialist supported by U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-Queens and Bronx), will face incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, running as an Independent, and GOP nominee Curtis Sliwa, this fall in the general election. Cuomo might upend the November race by running as Independent.
“In the words of Nelson Mandela: it always seems impossible until it’s done,” Mamdani told supporters Tuesday night. “My friends, it is done. And you are the ones who did it.”
Republicans, who have painted Mamdani as a dangerous extremist, ripped this week’s results.
Photo Courtesy of Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
Mamdani will face incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, running as an Independent, and GOP nominee Curtis Sliwa, this fall in the general election.
“Tonight, a proud defund-the-police Socialist named Zohran Mamdani won New York City’s Democratic primary for mayor — and with him comes a tidal wave of anti-Semitic rhetoric and flawed economic views that will bankrupt New Yorkers,” New York State Young Republicans Chairman Peter Giunta said in a statement.
“Make no mistake — this isn’t just a left turn; it’s a hard swerve off a cliff.
“New York City is on the brink of being run by radicals who want to abolish the police and coddle extremists.
“We won’t stand for it, and the New York State Young Republicans are gearing up, speaking out, and fighting back — because this city and state belong to ALL New Yorkers.”
