Mamdani nears victory as NYC set to release ranked choice results in mayoral primary

The outcome of New York City's Democratic mayoral primary—pitting progressive Zohran Mamdani against former governor Andrew Cuomo—is expected to be confirmed today (1 July) as election officials release the next round of ranked choice vote tallies.

Although Mamdani claimed victory on primary night after gaining a significant lead and Cuomo conceded shortly after, final confirmation awaits due to the city's ranked choice voting system. This method allows voters to rank candidates by preference, with lower-choice votes redistributed until someone surpasses 50%.

The Board of Elections will begin its initial tabulations at noon, which could officially secure Mamdani's win. If confirmed, he would move on to the November general election to face a field that includes incumbent Mayor Eric Adams—and possibly Cuomo again, should he pursue an independent run.

At 33, Mamdani—a democratic socialist and state Assembly member—emerged from relative obscurity to run a high-energy campaign based on populist reforms. His rise stunned political observers, especially as Cuomo sought a comeback from the sexual misconduct scandal that forced his 2021 resignation.

Even without final results, Mamdani's performance has made waves nationally. His campaign, focused on easing economic burdens, claims to offer a fresh model for Democrats struggling to counter Donald Trump's political resurgence.

Despite his momentum, many in the Democratic establishment remain cautious. While praising his campaign, some remain hesitant due to his progressive views, including past criticisms of policing, use of the word "genocide" for Israeli actions in Gaza, and his embrace of democratic socialism.

If elected, Mamdani would be New York City's first Muslim and first Indian American mayor, and among its youngest leaders.

Republicans have already begun targeting Mamdani as a symbol of left-wing extremism. Former President Trump and GOP allies have seized on his candidacy to warn voters about the direction of the Democratic Party.

"This is the kind of Democrat Republicans want to run against," said Grant Reeher, political science professor at Syracuse University, arguing Mamdani offers a stark contrast for national GOP campaigns.

Under the city's ranked choice system, voters can rank up to five candidates. If no candidate gets a majority of first-choice votes, lower-ranked choices are redistributed until someone reaches 50%. Certification of the final result is expected by 15 July.

In office since 2021, Mamdani has positioned his lack of government experience as an advantage. His platform includes free city buses and child care, rent freezes, and government-run grocery stores, funded by higher taxes on the wealthy. Critics call these plans unrealistic.

Cuomo, meanwhile, focused his campaign on his leadership credentials, arguing he was best equipped to stabilize the city. He avoided grassroots campaigning, relying on name recognition and major fundraising, and emphasised fighting antisemitism.

Cuomo has not formally withdrawn from the general election and left the door open for an independent run.

Mayor Eric Adams, who exited the Democratic primary in April due to a now-dismissed federal bribery case, is running as an independent. Though he largely stepped back from campaigning, Adams resumed his reelection push after Mamdani's claim of victory, framing the race as a contest between working-class values and privilege.