WATCH: Zohran Mamdani Vows to ‘Reject’ Trump’s ‘Fascism’ in NYC Primary Victory Speech
Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani took aim at President Donald Trump’s deportation policies – vowing to reject “fascism” – as he declared victory in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary in a stunning upset for former governor Andrew Cuomo.
The 33-year-old democratic socialist is poised to become the party’s nominee with Democrats dominating in the city, possibly its next mayor.
“Tonight, we made history,” Mamdani told supporters just after midnight. “In the words of Nelson Mandela, it always seems impossible until it is done… I will be your Democratic nominee for the mayor of New York City.”
In a soaring speech, Mamdani cast his campaign as the beginning of a broader movement: “We have won from Harlem to Bay Ridge… from Jackson Heights to Port Richmond… New Yorkers have stood up for a city they can afford – where those who toil in the night can enjoy the fruits of their labor in the day.”
He added: “Where hard work is repaid with a stable life. Where eight hours on the factory floor or behind the wheel of a cab is enough to pay the mortgage. It is enough to keep the lights on. It is enough to send your kid to school. Where rent-stabilized apartments are actually stabilized. Where buses are fast and free. Where childcare doesn’t cost more than CUNY. And where public safety keeps us truly safe.”
Rounding on Trump he added: “And it’s where the mayor will use their power to reject Donald Trump’s fascism – to stop mass ICE agents from deporting our neighbors, and to govern our city as a model for the Democratic Party, where we fight for working people with no apology.”
“A life of dignity should not be reserved for a fortunate few,” Mamdani said. “It should be one that city government guarantees for each and every New Yorker. If this campaign has demonstrated anything to the world, it is that our dreams can become reality.”
With 93% of first-round votes counted, Mamdani leads with 43.5%, ahead of Cuomo at 36.4%. Under the city’s ranked-choice system, second-choice ballots are now being tallied but Mamdani, who cross-endorsed fellow progressive Brad Lander (third place, 11.4%), is expected to benefit.
Cuomo called Mamdani to congratulate him on the results shortly after polls closed but is awaiting the final vote tally to officially conceded the race.
“Tonight is his night. He deserved it. He won,” the former governor said. He added that Mamdani “put together a great campaign… and inspired” a wave of young voters.
Watch above via CBS.
