Zohran Mamdani just pulled off one of the most stunning political upsets in recent political history. Up against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s record-setting $25 million war chest, a flood of developer cash, and the quiet skepticism of the Democratic establishment, Mamdani didn’t just survive the Democratic primary for the city’s next mayor, he commanded such a strong lead that Cuomo conceded early. A 33-year-old democratic socialist with a platform centered on public housing, fare-free transit, and taxing the rich has defeated one of the most powerful — and scandal-ridden — figures in modern state politics.
Mamdani still has to face off against incumbent Eric Adams, who’s running as an independent in the November general election (a tack Cuomo is considering as well). Still, Mamdani’s primary victory will send shockwaves through the Democratic Party — and touch off a furious battle to define the meaning of his historic victory.
