Zohran Mamdani leads in NYC Democratic primary, early results show

NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) – Zohran Mamdani is leading in the Democratic primary for New York City’s next mayor, according to early results shared by the Board of Elections. 

The results released Tuesday night after polls closed include first-choice votes from early voting, election day, and mail-in ballots. With only 13.16% of scanners reported, Mamdani is leading with 43.09% of the vote.

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is behind with 34% of the vote, according to early tallies from the Board of Elections.

New York City won’t have a winner until next week, when the Board of Elections releases the results of ranked-choice elimination rounds. The winner of Tuesday’s primary will earn the Democratic nomination for the November election. 

It’s been a tight race between state Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Cuomo held a strong early lead, but Mamdani quickly started to close in, polls showed. A PIX11 poll this week had Mamdani winning against Cuomo after ranked-choice voting. 

Affordability has been a key issue for Mamdani’s campaign. The 33-year-old has promised a slate of affordability reforms, including free bus fare, universal childcare, and a rent freeze for stabilized units. He’s gained support from notable politicians, including Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders

Cuomo’s campaign has focused on issues like public safety, housing and antisemitism. Cuomo has gained support from politicians, including Bill Clinton and Mike Bloomberg. 

The winner will face off against Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa and independent candidates Mayor Eric Adams and Jim Walden in November. Cuomo has said he will be on the ballot regardless. 

For more New York City primary election results, click here.