Mamdani expected to become Democratic nominee for NYC mayor after Cuomo concedes election: Report

Socialist Zohran Mamdani is on pace to become New York City's Democratic mayoral nominee on Tuesday night, after his biggest challenger, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, allegedly conceded the race, Politico reported.

Mamdani finished in the first position at the end of the night, with 43% of the vote, while Cuomo came in second with 36%, according to the Associated Press. But the city uses a ranked choice voting system if no candidates secures the 50% threshold needed for the nomination.

With the ranked voting system, if no candidate reaches the 50% mark, then counting continues in rounds. At the end of each round, the last-place candidate is eliminated, and voters who chose that candidate have their vote counted for their next choice, according to the New York City Board of Elections.

Cuomo confirmed the phone call in a speech to his supporters, stating he called to congratulate Mamdani.

“Tonight was not our night,” Cuomo said, per the New York Times. “Tonight was Assemblyman Mamdani’s night ... Let’s give him a round of applause ... He deserved it. He won."

City Comptroller Brad Lander finished in third at the end of the first round, winning just over 11% of the vote. There were a total of 11 candidates vying for the nomination, but all other candidates were in the single digits or below 1%.

The candidates are hoping to replace incumbent Democratic Mayor Eric Adams, who is running for reelection as an independent and thereby avoiding the crowded primary. Republican mayoral hopeful Curtis Sliwa was uncontested in his race.

Cuomo was the favorite leading into the primary, but Mamdani has seen a surge in support in recent weeks after securing endorsements from critical Democrats including New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who is technically an Independent but is a socialist, also endorsed Mamdani. 

Cuomo, a more traditional Democrat, has also been plagued by sexual misconduct allegations that led to him resigning as governor in 2021.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.