Fact Check: Mamdani defeated former Governor Cuomo in a shocking primary upset.

Fact Check: "Mamdani defeated former Governor Cuomo in a shocking primary upset."

What We Know

Zohran Mamdani, a relatively unknown state assemblyman, emerged victorious in the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo. This outcome was characterized as a "stunning upset" due to Mamdani's previous lack of name recognition and Cuomo's established political presence. As reported by The New York Times, Mamdani declared victory shortly after polls closed, stating, "Tonight is his night. He deserved it. He won," as Cuomo conceded defeat. With approximately 93% of the votes counted, Mamdani had garnered 43.5% of the first-choice votes compared to Cuomo's 36.4% (source-2). This primary is significant as it reflects a shift in voter sentiment, particularly among younger and more progressive constituents who are increasingly disillusioned with traditional Democratic leadership.

Analysis

The claim that Mamdani defeated Cuomo in a shocking primary upset is supported by multiple credible sources. The New York Times and BBC both highlight the unexpected nature of Mamdani's victory, emphasizing his grassroots campaign that resonated with a diverse coalition of voters, particularly those concerned about the city's affordability crisis. NPR also noted the stark contrast between Mamdani's energetic campaign and Cuomo's more traditional, less engaging approach (source-4).

Cuomo's concession speech further validates the claim, as he acknowledged Mamdani's victory and expressed disappointment in his own campaign's outcome (source-1). The analysis of voting patterns indicates that Mamdani attracted a wide range of support across different demographics, which is a notable achievement against a political figure like Cuomo, who had previously served as governor and had significant backing from established political networks (source-6).

However, it is important to note that while Mamdani's victory is significant, the final outcome of the primary will be officially confirmed only after the ranked-choice voting results are tallied. This process could potentially alter the dynamics of the race, although experts believe it is unlikely that Cuomo could overcome Mamdani's lead (source-4).

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Mamdani defeated former Governor Cuomo in a shocking primary upset is accurate. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that Mamdani's victory was unexpected and indicative of a broader shift in voter preferences within the Democratic Party. His ability to galvanize support among younger voters and those disillusioned with traditional politics played a crucial role in this outcome.

Sources

1. 'We Have Won,' Mamdani Says, as Cuomo Concedes N.Y.C. Mayoral Primary
2. Mamdani Stuns Cuomo in New York Mayoral Primary
3. New York City Mayoral Primary Election Results 2025
4. How Zohran Mamdani beat Cuomo in New York City ...
5. Zohran Mamdani stuns Andrew Cuomo in NYC mayor ...
6. Mamdani declares victory in NYC's Democratic mayoral primary as Cuomo ...
7. In NYC primary, Zohran Mamdani says "I will be your ...