The NYC mayoral primary results are capturing the attention of New Yorkers as the Democratic primary unfolds on June 24, 2025. With polls closing at 9 p.m., early returns show a tight race between former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani. This election, marked by ranked-choice voting and a crowded field of 11 candidates, reflects the city’s deep political divides. As voters await final tallies, the outcome will shape the Democratic nominee to face incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, running as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa in November. Here’s the latest on this high-stakes contest.
Early Returns in NYC Mayoral Primary Results
Initial reports from the NYC mayoral primary results indicate Zohran Mamdani holds a surprising lead. With 38% of votes counted, Mamdani secures 43.1%, while Cuomo trails at 34%. Comptroller Brad Lander follows with 13%. These figures, based on first-choice votes, come from early voting and Election Day ballots. The city’s ranked-choice voting system means no winner will likely emerge tonight unless someone clears 50%. If no candidate does, the Board of Elections will tabulate ranked preferences starting July 1, with final results possibly delayed until mid-July.
Mamdani’s strong showing defies earlier polls, which consistently placed Cuomo ahead. The assemblyman’s grassroots campaign, backed by progressive heavyweights like Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, resonates with younger voters. His platform, emphasizing a rent freeze and free public transit, appeals to those grappling with housing costs. Meanwhile, Cuomo, endorsed by centrists like former President Bill Clinton, leans on his experience as governor, promising stability amid rising crime concerns.
Key Point Summary:
- Mamdani leads with 43.1%, Cuomo at 34% (38% votes reported).
- Ranked-choice voting delays final results until at least July 1.
- Mamdani’s progressive appeal contrasts with Cuomo’s establishment backing.
Why Ranked-Choice Voting Shapes NYC Mayoral Primary Results
New York City’s ranked-choice voting, implemented in 2021, adds complexity to the NYC mayoral primary results. Voters rank up to five candidates, and if no one exceeds 50% of first-choice votes, the lowest-polling candidate is eliminated. Their votes redistribute to second choices, continuing until two candidates remain. This system encourages strategic alliances, like Mamdani and Lander’s cross-endorsement, aiming to block Cuomo by consolidating progressive votes.
In 2021, Eric Adams won after eight rounds of tabulation, highlighting how ranked-choice can shift outcomes. Current polls suggest Mamdani could gain from second-choice votes, especially from Lander and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams supporters. A recent Emerson College poll projected Mamdani edging Cuomo 52% to 48% in a final round, despite trailing in first-choice votes. This dynamic makes early leads tentative, keeping voters on edge.
Candidate Dynamics and Voter Turnout
The NYC mayoral primary results reflect a polarized Democratic Party. Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, represents a bold vision for affordability and equity. His surge, particularly among 18–34-year-olds, ties to robust early voting turnout, which doubled 2021’s numbers in some boroughs. Brooklyn and Manhattan saw 145% and 122% increases, respectively, signaling energized progressive voters.
Cuomo, however, remains formidable, polling strongly with older and Black voters. His campaign emphasizes public safety and economic recovery, bolstered by $2.5 million in super PAC ads. Yet, his 2021 resignation amid sexual harassment allegations fuels opposition, with the “Don’t Rank Evil Andrew” campaign urging voters to exclude him. Other candidates, like Adrienne Adams and Scott Stringer, lag in single digits, splitting the moderate vote.
Voter Turnout Snapshot:
- Total turnout: ~1.1 million (over a third of registered Democrats).
- Early voting: 93,112 ballots across boroughs, up significantly from 2021.
- Brooklyn: 33,185 early votes; Manhattan: 31,036.
What’s Next for the Race?
As the NYC mayoral primary results trickle in, the focus shifts to ranked-choice tabulations. The Board of Elections will release preliminary ranked-choice results on July 1, incorporating mail-in and absentee ballots. Certification could take until July 15. If Mamdani maintains his lead, he’ll face Adams and Sliwa in a general election where Democrats typically dominate. A Cuomo victory, however, could spark a four-way race, with Adams and Cuomo both running as independents, complicating November’s outcome.
The race underscores New York’s ideological tug-of-war. Will voters embrace Mamdani’s progressive overhaul or Cuomo’s seasoned pragmatism? With crime and housing topping voter concerns, the winner must address these head-on. For now, New Yorkers await clarity in a contest that’s anything but predictable.
Stay updated on the NYC mayoral primary results by following live coverage on major news platforms. Share your thoughts on social media and join the conversation about the city’s future leadership.