Zohran Mamdani appears on track to win the Democratic nomination for New York City mayor after former Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded the race on Tuesday evening. With nearly all ballot scanners reporting Mamdani leads Cuomo by 43.5 percent to 36.4 percent according to the city’s Board of Elections.

Mamdani, a 33 year old state assembly member from Queens, entered the race as a relatively unknown figure. Now he is positioned as the likely favourite in the November general election in a city long dominated by Democrats. If elected he would become New York City’s first Muslim mayor.

Although the final result will not be confirmed until ranked choice tabulations are completed next week Mamdani’s lead is considered too significant to be reversed. The city’s voting system allows residents to rank up to five candidates. Lower ranked candidates are eliminated in rounds and votes are redistributed until one receives more than 50 percent. City Comptroller Brad Lander who placed third with 11.6 percent of the vote had encouraged his supporters to rank Mamdani second making a stronger finish even more likely.

In brief remarks Cuomo said he had congratulated Mamdani. “Tonight is his night,” the 67 year old said as he ended his bid to return to political office four years after stepping down as governor amid allegations of sexual harassment which he denies.

Mamdani who was born in Uganda to a family of Indian descent has served in the state assembly since 2021 and is known for his activism in support of Palestinian rights. He received high profile endorsements from Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez both leading progressive figures.

The race has drawn national attention as a reflection of where Democratic voters want their party to head during Republican President Donald Trump’s second term. Cuomo represented a centrist approach backed by figures like Bill Clinton and Michael Bloomberg. Mamdani offered a more progressive alternative and a break from traditional politics.

Incumbent mayor Eric Adams who is seeking reelection as an independent faces weakening support amid multiple corruption investigations and his perceived alignment with Trump. Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa a longtime radio host and founder of the Guardian Angels is considered a long shot.