Fact Check: Mamdani leads Cuomo in shocking primary vote results!

Fact Check: "Mamdani leads Cuomo in shocking primary vote results!"

What We Know

The claim that "Mamdani leads Cuomo in shocking primary vote results" refers to the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City, which took place on June 24, 2025. Polling data leading up to the election indicated a competitive race between former Governor Andrew Cuomo and State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani. Most polls prior to the election suggested that Cuomo was in the lead, but Mamdani was gaining ground, particularly in the final weeks before the primary (The New York Times).

As of the latest updates, reports indicated that Mamdani was leading in the first-choice votes counted, with approximately 88.2% of the votes tallied at the time (Washington Post). However, the final results were not yet available, as New York City employs ranked-choice voting, which means that the complete tally would take longer to finalize (CBS News).

Analysis

The assertion that Mamdani is leading Cuomo is supported by some polling data, particularly an Emerson College poll that simulated ranked-choice voting and showed Mamdani defeating Cuomo after several rounds (Newsweek). However, this was not universally reflected in all polls, as a HarrisX poll indicated Cuomo leading by a significant margin in the first round (Newsweek).

The discrepancy in polling results highlights the complexity of the race. While Mamdani's campaign has gained momentum, especially among progressive voters, Cuomo's established political presence and prior leadership experience have kept him competitive. The reliability of the sources varies; The New York Times is considered a reputable source for polling data, while Newsweek's reporting, while informative, may reflect a more sensational narrative given the dramatic shifts in polling (The New York Times, Newsweek).

Moreover, the nature of ranked-choice voting complicates the interpretation of "leading" in this context. While Mamdani may have been ahead in first-choice votes at a certain point, the final outcome would depend on how votes are redistributed in subsequent rounds, which could favor Cuomo if he retains a significant base of support (CBS News).

Conclusion

The claim that "Mamdani leads Cuomo in shocking primary vote results" is Partially True. While Mamdani was reported to be leading in first-choice votes at a certain point, the overall context of the election, including the use of ranked-choice voting and varying poll results, suggests that the situation is fluid and not definitively settled. The final outcome remains uncertain until all votes are counted and the ranked-choice process is completed.