Politics in New York is never exactly quiet, but the nyc mayoral election results 2025 ap just hit the city like a ton of bricks. Honestly, it was a wild ride from start to finish. If you were following the Associated Press alerts on election night, you saw a map that looked nothing like the 2021 results.
Zohran Mamdani didn't just win. He basically redefined what a "winning coalition" looks like in the five boroughs.
At 34, he’s now the city’s youngest mayor in over a century. He’s also the first Muslim and first South Asian person to hold the keys to Gracie Mansion. But beyond the history-making identity stuff, the numbers tell a story of a massive shift in how New Yorkers feel about the establishment.
The Numbers: NYC Mayoral Election Results 2025 AP Breakdown
When the Associated Press finally called the race at 9:34 p.m. EST on November 4, the math was pretty clear. With over 2 million votes cast—the highest turnout since the '60s—the city felt like it was vibrating.
Here is how the top of the ticket shook out:
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- Zohran Mamdani (Democrat): 1,114,184 votes (50.8%)
- Andrew Cuomo (Independent): 906,614 votes (41.3%)
- Curtis Sliwa (Republican): 153,749 votes (7.0%)
It’s kinda crazy when you think about it. Andrew Cuomo, a guy who used to run the entire state, couldn't clinch the city even after Eric Adams dropped out and endorsed him late in the game. Mamdani's 12-point primary victory over Cuomo earlier in the summer proved it wasn't a fluke. The general election just cemented it.
Why the Establishment Lost the City
You’ve probably heard people say New York is a "progressive" city, but the nyc mayoral election results 2025 ap show it's more about "affordability" than just labels.
Mamdani ran a campaign that was laser-focused on rent and the cost of living. He didn't talk like a typical politician. He did scavenger hunts. He played community soccer. While Cuomo was leaning on his "deep experience" and attacking Mamdani’s thin resume, voters seemed to prefer the guy who was talking about the $3,000 one-bedroom apartments they couldn't afford.
Eric Adams’ shadow loomed over the whole thing. After his federal indictment and the subsequent dismissal of charges under the second Trump administration, he tried to run as an independent. But his poll numbers were in the basement—like 26% approval low. He finally pulled the plug in September, but he remained on the ballot because it was too late to scrub his name. He only ended up with about 0.3% of the vote.
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The Cuomo Factor
Cuomo’s strategy was basically to be the "adult in the room." He branded his independent run under the "Fight and Deliver" party. He tried to frame Mamdani as a radical who would make the city unsafe, especially after Mamdani’s vocal stances on international issues and Palestinian rights.
It didn't stick.
Cuomo did well in parts of the outer boroughs, particularly in older, more moderate neighborhoods, but he got absolutely crushed by the youth vote. The high turnout wasn't just "more people voting"—it was specifically younger New Yorkers who showed up in droves for Mamdani.
What This Means for New York in 2026
Now that the dust has settled and the nyc mayoral election results 2025 ap are official, we’re seeing the "Mamdani Era" start in real-time.
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He was sworn in on January 1, 2026.
His first week was already a whirlwind. He’s already signing executive orders to fix the mess at Rikers Island and trying to reverse some of the shelter law suspensions from the previous administration. It’s a lot of work for a guy who was just a state lawmaker from Astoria a year ago.
The tension between City Hall and Albany is also something to watch. Governor Kathy Hochul congratulated him, sure, but she’s already signaled she isn't into his plan to tax the wealthy to fund city programs. That’s going to be the big fight of 2026.
Quick Facts on the 2025 Race:
- Voter Turnout: More than 2.2 million people voted. That hasn't happened in a mayoral race since 1969.
- Historic Firsts: Mamdani is the first mayor of South Asian heritage and the first born in Africa (Uganda) to lead NYC.
- The "Third Party" Surge: Cuomo’s 41% as an independent is one of the strongest non-major-party showings in modern NYC history, even if he lost.
Moving Forward: Actionable Insights for New Yorkers
The election is over, but the impact is just starting to hit your mailbox and your subway ride. If you're living in the city, here is what you should actually be doing right now:
- Watch the Rent Guidelines Board: This was Mamdani’s biggest promise. Keep an eye on the upcoming 2026 hearings. If you're in a rent-stabilized unit, this administration's appointments will directly impact your wallet.
- Check the Department of Community Safety: The new mayor is trying to pivot away from traditional policing for mental health calls. If you see a crisis in your neighborhood, the person responding might soon be a social worker instead of a cop.
- Update Your Voter Registration: Seriously. The 2025 turnout showed that your vote actually moves the needle in this city. Don't wait until the next big one to make sure your address is current.
The nyc mayoral election results 2025 ap proved that New York isn't afraid of a "political earthquake." Whether you love the socialist shift or you’re worried about the city’s budget, one thing is for sure: the old playbook has been tossed out the window.