Zohran Mamdani, a progressive State Assemblyman, won New York City's Democratic mayoral primary against former Governor Andrew Cuomo, receiving 56% of the votes. Early polls indicated Mamdani had only 1% support at the start of his campaign and was 38% behind Cuomo several weeks before the election. Mamdani, identifying as a Democratic Socialist, garnered significant voter support despite criticism and performing poorly among low-income and Black voters. His victory marked a remarkable turnaround, achieving the most votes for a Democratic primary candidate in 36 years and illustrating the differences in campaign communication in NYC versus swing districts.
Mamdani won the primary as the clear leader with 56% of the votes, totaling 545,334 votes, which was the most votes any Democratic primary candidate has received in 36 years.
Despite early polls showing Mamdani starting his campaign with around 1% support, he managed to build a populist supporter base to defeat former Governor Cuomo.
Mamdani's victory is notable as he performed poorly with low-income voters and lost a majority of Black voters yet still declared himself a Democratic Socialist.
The contrast between Mamdani’s initial support and victory stands in stark difference to Vice President Kamala Harris’s initial support and subsequent loss prior to her election.
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