Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez congratulated self-proclaimed Democratic socialist and New York state lawmaker Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday, as Mamdani was on track to wallop former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary.
As of 12 a.m. ET Wednesday, Mamdani holds a 7-point lead over Cuomo in the first round of voting, though The Associated Press (AP) has not yet called the race. The outcome also isn’t final, since the New York City Board of Elections is expected to announce the full results on July 1.
The Context
Mamdani holds a strong footing with younger and more progressive Democratic voters who are hungry for change within the party and believe it should put up a stronger fight against President Donald Trump’s agenda.
Cuomo, on the other hand, represents the old guard and the traditional Democratic establishment.
Both candidates’ bases were reflected in their endorsements heading into Tuesday; Mamdani won the backing of progressive darlings like 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.
What To Know
Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 after being accused of sexual harassment, conceded the mayoral primary to Mamdani less than two hours after polls closed, when it became clear the former governor would not be able to overtake his opponent’s lead.
The former New York governor has denied any wrongdoing.
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.”
Ocasio-Cortez reacted to the concession by applauding the New York state assemblyman.
“Congratulations, @ZohranKMamdani!” the congresswoman, widely seen as the face of the Democratic Party’s progressive wing, wrote on X. “Your dedication to an affordable, welcoming, and safe New York City where working families can have a shot has inspired people across the city. Billionaires and lobbyists poured millions against you and our public finance system. And you won.”
In endorsing Mamdani earlier this month, Ocasio-Cortez emphasized that the Democratic Party needs to look forward, telling The New York Times, “Assemblymember Mamdani has demonstrated a real ability on the ground to put together a coalition of working-class New Yorkers that is strongest to lead the pack. In the final stretch of the race, we need to get very real about that.”
Sanders formally endorsed Mamdani last week, writing on X: “At this dangerous moment in history, status quo politics isn’t good enough. We need new leadership that is prepared to stand up to powerful corporate interests & fight for the working class. @ZohranKMamdani is providing that vision. He is the best choice for NYC mayor.”
Mamdani and fellow Democratic mayoral candidate Brad Lander also cross-endorsed each other earlier this month, with both men saying that they would rank the other second, after themselves.
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.”
Lander 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.”
What Happens Next
The New York City Board of Elections is expected to announce the full results on July 1.
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