Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old state assemblyman, is now leading in the Democratic mayoral primary in New York City, ahead of former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Early ranked-choice voting results show Mamdani with about 43.5% of first-choice votes, while Cuomo has around 36.4%. Although the final count is still ongoing, Cuomo has already conceded.

A Surprise for the Democratic Party

Mamdani’s rise has surprised many. He is known for his progressive ideas and support from younger and more diverse voters. His campaign focused on everyday issues like affordable housing and better public transport. If he wins, Mamdani could become the first Muslim and Indian-American Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City.

Cuomo’s Setback

Cuomo, once a powerful figure in New York politics, was hoping to make a comeback. But Mamdani’s grassroots campaign and growing public support seem to have made that difficult. Some experts believe this result shows a shift in voter preferences, but others think it’s too early to tell.

What’s Next for the Race

The final results from ranked-choice voting will take a few more days. Mamdani may face current Mayor Eric Adams, an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the general election. There’s also a chance Cuomo could still run as an independent, though nothing is confirmed.

This election may signal changes in New York’s political scene, but the next steps are still unfolding.