Zohran Mamdani Wins Democratic Nomination for New York City Mayor in Major Upset

New York City – In a surprising turn, Zohran Mamdani has officially won the Democratic nomination for New York City mayor, defeating several well-known candidates and marking a major shift in the city’s political landscape.

The New York City Board of Elections confirmed the final ranked-choice voting results on Tuesday. Mamdani secured 56% of the vote in the third round, passing the 50% threshold needed to win the nomination. He will now move on to the general election this November.

“This is a historic night for all of us,” Mamdani said to cheering supporters at an event in Queens. “Our campaign was about putting working people first, and New Yorkers showed they are ready for real change.”

Mamdani, 34, began his campaign as a state assembly member who was not widely known outside his district. His platform focused on affordable housing, police reform, and reducing inequality. Despite being an underdog at the start, he built strong support through grassroots organizing and small donations.

Ranked-choice voting played a key role in his success. Although Mamdani did not lead in the first count, he gained votes in each round as lower-ranking candidates were eliminated and their supporters’ second and third choices were counted. By the third round, he had moved ahead of all other candidates.

“This result proves that voters are ready to back candidates who speak directly to their struggles,” said political analyst Maria Gonzalez. “Mamdani offered clear ideas and connected with communities that have often felt overlooked.”

New York City has long been a Democratic stronghold, and Mamdani now enters the general election as the favorite. Democrats outnumber Republicans in the city by a wide margin. His Republican opponent will be confirmed later this month.

If he wins in November, Mamdani would become one of the youngest mayors in New York City’s history and the first mayor of South Asian descent.

“This is just the start,” Mamdani said in closing. “Together, we will build a city that is fair, safe, and welcoming to everyone.”

His victory highlights a growing demand for new leadership and fresh ideas in one of the world’s largest and most diverse cities. The next few months are expected to bring an energetic and closely watched campaign.