Andrew Cuomo faced off against Zohran Mamdani in the 2025 New York City, and it was a closely contested election in the polls.
The 2025 New York City mayoral election concluded with Zohran Mamdani winning the office, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent after losing the Democratic primary.
The election drew widespread attention due to the high-profile nature of the candidates and the unusual circumstance of a former governor attempting to return to elected office after a controversial exit from state leadership.
Democratic Primary Outcome
Earlier in 2025, the Democratic primary determined the party’s nominee for mayor.
Zohran Mamdani, a progressive member of the New York State Assembly, ran against Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary.
Mamdani won the nomination via the city’s ranked-choice voting system.
Andrew Cuomo, who had previously served as governor of New York, did not secure enough support in the primary to become the Democratic candidate.
Mamdani’s victory in the primary positioned him as the official Democratic nominee for the general election.
Andrew Cuomo’s Independent Candidacy
After losing the Democratic primary, Andrew Cuomo chose to continue his mayoral campaign as an independent candidate.
He appeared on the general election ballot under an independent line.
This made the general election a direct contest between Mamdani, Cuomo, and other minor-party or independent candidates.
Cuomo’s decision to run independently allowed him to remain in the race despite the Democratic primary outcome.
Cuomo vs Mamdani Election Result
In the general election, Zohran Mamdani won, securing the position of mayor of New York City.
Andrew Cuomo came in second in the general election.
The election result confirmed Mamdani as the next mayor of the city.
The general election concluded the campaign and officially determined the mayoral officeholder for the term beginning in 2026.
Historic Context
Zohran Mamdani’s victory is historically notable because he is among the youngest individuals elected to the office in recent history.
He is also recognized as one of the few Muslim and South Asian candidates to win a mayoral election in New York City.
These milestones reflect the city’s diverse electorate and evolving political landscape.
Campaign Overview
Mamdani ran as a progressive candidate with support from younger voters and grassroots organizations.
Andrew Cuomo, a former governor, ran as a candidate with prior statewide executive experience.
The race involved debates, interviews, and outreach across New York City’s five boroughs.
The candidates’ campaigns were conducted according to New York City election laws and regulations.
Significance of the Election
The election represents a change in leadership for New York City.
Zohran Mamdani’s win marked the end of Andrew Cuomo’s attempt to return to public office at the municipal level.
The outcome reflects the results of the Democratic primary and the general election as conducted under the official election procedures in New York City.
Timeline
- Mid-2025: Democratic primary held; Mamdani defeats Cuomo via ranked-choice voting.
- Following Primary: Cuomo remains in the race as an independent candidate.
- November 2025: General election held; Mamdani wins the mayoral race.
- January 2026: Mamdani set to assume office as mayor.
Overview
The 2025 New York City mayoral election concluded with Zohran Mamdani’s victory over Andrew Cuomo.
Mamdani will serve as mayor beginning in 2026, representing the Democratic Party and reflecting the results of both the Democratic primary and the general election.
Andrew Cuomo’s independent candidacy did not succeed in reclaiming the office.
The election followed all procedures as prescribed by New York City election laws, and the outcome has been officially certified.
