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New York State Assemblyman and Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani is projected to win New York City's mayoral primary, marking a stunning upset against party old guard and former Governor Andrew Cuomo.
On Tuesday (June 24), Mamdani, 33, declared victory in the Democratic primary after running an upstart campaign energized by young voters and progressives, per CNN.
“I will fight for a city that works for you, that is affordable for you, that is safe for you,” Mamdani said in his celebratory speech. “We can be free and we can be fed. We can demand what we deserve."
Though the formal outcome of the mayoral primary won't be known until at least July 1, Mamdani held a clear lead in New York City's ranked-choice results on Tuesday. Cuomo said he called Mamdani and conceded the primary.
“Tonight is his night. He deserved it. He won,” Cuomo said.
Mamdani's campaign could serve as a new playbook for rising Democrats. The assemblyman battled against Cuomo's name recognition, financial backing, and endorsements from party leaders and unions.
As voters expressed frustration over the party's authenticity and aggressiveness, Mamdani rose in polls while reaching out across the aisle and campaigning on progressive positions, including freezing rents, offering free public transit, and launching city-run grocery stores.
Critics portrayed Mamdani's ideas as impossible to pay for. Dan Pfeiffer, a former top aide to President Barack Obama, however, said Democrats “have a lot to learn” from Mamdani.
“What’s happening in NYC is a blaringly loud message to those in the Dem establishment who still cling to old politics, recite focus-grouped talking points, and are too afraid to say what needs to be said,” he said.
Mamdani will face off against Mayor Eric Adams, who is seeking reelection as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the November general election.
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