Zohran Mamdani wins Democratic primary, could become NYC’s first Muslim mayor

In the early vote count for the Democratic primary in New York City's mayoral race, pro-Palestinian state assemblyman Zohran Mamdani showed a substantial lead against former Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Polling in the Democratic primary closed at 9 pm, but final results are expected to be announced in the coming days due to the city’s ranked choice voting system, in which voters rank their top five candidates instead of choosing just one.

The New York City Board of Elections reported that more than 930,000 people had cast their votes by 7:30 pm on Tuesday. However, American media outlets later estimated that the final turnout reached around 1.1 million voters, ntoably higher than the turnout in the 2021 mayoral election.

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Assemblyman Mamdani, 33, who represents the Queens district, has drawn strong support from young voters, many of whom were seen campaigning energetically in Long Island City on the final day.

Taking to X after securing victroy in the primary and moving closer to becoming NYC's first Muslim mayor, Mamdani said, "In the words of Nelson Mandela: it always seems impossible until it’s done. My friends, it is done. And you are the ones who did it. I am honored to be your Democratic nominee for the Mayor of New York City."

In the words of Nelson Mandela: it always seems impossible until it’s done.

My friends, it is done. And you are the ones who did it.

I am honored to be your Democratic nominee for the Mayor of New York City. pic.twitter.com/AgW0Z30xw1

— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) June 25, 2025

A self-described democratic socialist, Mamdani has risen rapidly in recent months due to his bold policy promises and progressive stance on international issues.

Mamdani’s platform includes making city buses and childcare services free, building 200,000 affordable housing units, and opening city-owned grocery stores. To fund these programs, he has proposed raising corporate taxes and introducing a 2% direct tax on high-income earners.

He has also gained attention for his outspoken criticism of Israeli policies and his vocal support for Palestinians. In an interview with journalist Mehdi Hasan, Mamdani stated that he would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits New York City due to his war crimes in Gaza.

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When asked how such an arrest would be possible given that the United States is not a signatory to the International Criminal Court (ICC), Mamdani responded, “It’s time we step up and show what real leadership looks like, something sorely missing in the federal government.”

Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams is running as an independent in this election, setting up a potentially high-stakes general election battle if Mamdani wins the Democratic nomination.

In addition to the mayoral race, voters are also casting ballots for other key city offices, including Public Advocate and Comptroller.