By: Paul Goldberg, Senior Editor | JRL CHARTS – LGBT Politics USA

NEW YORK, NY — (June 24, 2025) — In a stunning upset Tuesday night, Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani clinched the Democratic nomination for Mayor of New York City, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo and halting his much-publicized political comeback — at least for now.

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Cuomo, who resigned from office in 2021 amid a sexual harassment scandal, conceded the race before ranked-choice voting results were fully finalized, acknowledging Mamdani’s grassroots-powered momentum.

“Tonight was not our night,” Cuomo told supporters. “Tonight was Assemblyman Mamdani’s night. He touched young people, inspired them, and really ran a highly impactful campaign.”

Progressive Surge Shakes the Establishment

Mamdani, 33, a self-described Democratic socialist and progressive champion, surged to victory with a campaign focused on affordability, equity, and direct investment in city services. His platform included:

  • Free universal child care

  • City-run grocery stores

  • Free bus transit

  • Rent freezes on stabilized units

He also faced fierce conservative backlash for backing $57 million in funding for transgender healthcare, public clinics, and nonprofit services — with an additional $8 million earmarked for expanded LGBTQ+ care access across the city.

Cuomo’s Past Still Haunts the Present

While Mamdani’s progressive agenda dominated headlines, Cuomo’s scandal-plagued history never left the race. Despite millions in super PAC support and widespread name recognition, Democratic voters chose to move on.

Cuomo left office after a 165-page report from the New York Attorney General found he sexually harassed 11 women, findings echoed by separate investigations from the DOJ and State Assembly. While Cuomo denied the most serious allegations, his campaign attempted to cast the probes as politically motivated — a defense that failed to resonate with voters in 2025.

What’s Next in the General Election?

Although Mamdani secured the Democratic nomination, November’s general election won’t be a cakewalk.

  • Mayor Eric Adams is running as an independent

  • Cuomo has hinted at a possible third-party run on a “Fight and Deliver” ballot line

  • Ranked-choice voting won’t apply in the general, shifting dynamics once again

If victorious, Mamdani would become New York City’s first South Asian and Muslim mayor, breaking historic ground.

A Defining Debate Moment

Cuomo attempted to frame Mamdani as inexperienced — but the assemblyman delivered one of the most viral debate moments of the primary:

“Mr. Cuomo, I have never had to resign in disgrace. I have never cut Medicaid. I have never stolen millions from the MTA. I have never hounded the 13 women who credibly accused me of harassment. I have never sued for their gynecological records — because I am not you, Mr. Cuomo.”

Momentum Fueled by Coalition Building

Despite entering the race with limited name recognition, Mamdani built his support from the ground up — energizing a powerful grassroots base and cross-endorsing fellow progressives like Michael Blake and NYC Comptroller Brad Lander to broaden his appeal in a crowded field.

His victory sends a message to Democratic power brokers: the progressive base, LGBTQ+ voters, and working-class New Yorkers are ready to lead the city forward — without the baggage of the past.

Zohran Mamdani’s upset win over Andrew Cuomo marks a defining moment in NYC politics, one powered by progressive organizing, LGBTQ+ solidarity, and a new generation of leadership.

Follow continuing coverage on JRL CHARTS – LGBT Politics USA.

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