Zohran Mamdani declares historic victory in New York City mayoral primary after Cuomo concedes

‘Tonight is his night,’ says ex-governor as progressive state representative tells supporters ‘we made history’

Picture: Yuki IwamuraPOOL/AFP via Getty Images.

Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old democratic socialist appeared to have cleared the first hurdle on his path to becoming New York’s first Muslim mayor, declaring victory in the city’s Democratic primary on Tuesday night, although it could be days before the final result is known.

In a stunning upset, Andrew Cuomo – who had been a heavy favorite until recent weeks - conceded the race, after it become clear the progressive upstart had built a substantial lead over the more experienced but scandal-scarred former governor.