Socialist Zohran Mamdani wins NY mayoral primary promising cheaper rents and food bills

An underdog socialist politician has clinched a surprise victory in the Democratic primary race for Mayor of New York City, despite facing off against the well-funded political titan and former Governor Andrew Cuomo.

On a sweltering election day in America's largest city, Democratic voters overwhelmingly cast their ballots for 33-year-old Zohran Mamdani, with early tallies giving him an eight-point lead in first-round voting. He has been serving as a New York Assembly member since 2021 and is a proud member of the Democratic Socialists of America.

While his main rival offered more of the same, Mamdani proposed a radical platform of free buses, rent freezes and municipal food stores. This won him most districts by a double-digit margin, with the exception of the Upper East and West Sides of the city.

His opponent, former Governor Cuomo, meanwhile made history in the race. Not for rallying the vote but for being supported by the largest-ever Super PAC in a mayoral primary, raising a staggering $25 million in a futile attempt to defeat the 33-year-old political newcomer, who was backed by progressive heavyweights Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and New York Congresswoman Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez.

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However, all this establishment effort to keep the Assemblyman out of the prestigious office proved fruitless. Mamdani's grassroots campaign and populist messaging resonated across broadcast and social media, reports the Express.

With the defeat undeniable, Cuomo phoned Mamdani to applaud his "really smart" campaign, saying to his own followers: "Tonight is his night. He deserved it. He won."

As murmurs of Mamdani's considerable lead spread, high-profile progressives converged at his celebration bash, with well-known faces like 'Sex and the City' alumna Cynthia Nixon and 'Harold and Kumar' star turned Obama aide Kal Penn seen making their way into the venue amidst emotional scenes of supporters shedding tears and embracing.

The progressives' significant triumph in New York sends a robust message to the Democratic Party, highlighting the establishment's failure to secure a victory over Trump in the 2024 election with their eleventh-hour bid from Kamala Harris.

Commenting on the current political climate, Columbia’s School of Professional Studies lecturer Basil Smikle observed: "Voters are not happy with the national party establishment and want to focus on building a movement. I think that's key here. Mamdani created a movement around his candidacy."

Looking forward to the November 4 mayoral race in New York City, Mamdani is set to face peculiar competition. His challengers include a longshot Republican hopeful, Curtis Silwa, and it's anticipated he’ll also face a surprise independent campaign from the sitting Mayor Eric Adams, who declared such a move as Mamdani's triumph seemed certain.

Adams faced a dramatic loss of support from his party after being indicted on various counts of bribery and fraud related to seeking donations from Turkish property developers. However, President Trump intervened, instructing federal prosecutors to dismiss all charges against him.

Complicating matters, despite admitting defeat in the Democratic primary, Andrew Cuomo did not rule out also making an independent run in November. He said in a statement: "I want to look at all the numbers as they come in and analyze the rank choice voting.

"I will then consult with my colleagues on what is the best path for me to help the City of New York, as I have already qualified to run for mayor on an independent line in November."

However, if he is successful in the upcoming elections, Mamdani will make history as New York's first Muslim mayor and one of its youngest leaders.

On the final day before voters head to the polls, the progressive 33-year-old candidate shared his vision for the city, declaring: "I know what our community wants is what every community wants and deserves: safety, equality, and respect.

"But in this city, in this country, you are not given those things; you have to win those things. And one of the clearest ways you win is at the ballot box."