New York, June 26 (V7N) — In a dramatic end to months of political tension, 33-year-old progressive Democrat Zohran Mamdani has claimed a decisive victory in a closely watched race in New York City, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who personally called Mamdani to concede.

“Tonight is his night—he’s won,” Cuomo told Mamdani in a congratulatory phone call, according to campaign sources.

While the final vote count is still ongoing, preliminary results show Mamdani with a commanding lead in first-choice votes, a key indicator in New York City’s ranked-choice voting system.

According to the New York City Board of Elections, more than 200,000 voters selected only one candidate, bypassing the ranked-choice option—a strong signal that Mamdani's support base turned out in large, decisive numbers.

A Symbolic Win for the Progressive Movement

Mamdani’s apparent victory is being hailed as a significant moment for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, which has seen growing support in urban centers like New York. The race had drawn national attention, with Cuomo attempting a political comeback and Mamdani representing a younger, left-leaning generation of Democratic leadership.

Mamdani, who first rose to prominence as a member of the New York State Assembly, has been an outspoken advocate for housing justice, immigrant rights, and climate action. His campaign focused on grassroots organizing, equity-driven policy, and rejecting corporate influence in politics.

Final Certification Pending

Although the race has yet to be officially certified, the trends strongly favor Mamdani. Election officials say ranked-choice tabulation and absentee ballot processing will be completed in the coming days, but Mamdani’s margin of first-choice votes is likely insurmountable.

His supporters have already begun celebrating the win, calling it a "mandate for change" and a "rebuke of establishment politics."

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