If you were betting on the mayor of New York City race back in early 2024, you probably lost money. Seriously. Politics in this city is usually a predictable grind of establishment favorites and "law and order" slogans. But 2025? It was a fever dream. We saw an incumbent mayor drop out, a former governor attempt a Shakespearean comeback, and a 34-year-old democratic socialist from Astoria essentially rewrite the playbook for how to win Gracie Mansion.
Honestly, the energy was different this time. You’ve probably heard people say the city is "in decline" or "out of control." That sentiment fueled a race that felt more like a battle for the soul of the five boroughs than a standard election. It wasn't just about trash pickup or subway delays; it was about whether New York remains a playground for the 1% or a place where a barista can actually afford a studio apartment.
The Upset Nobody Saw Coming
Zohran Mamdani. If you didn't know the name before the June primary, you definitely knew it after. Mamdani, a State Assemblymember and former foreclosure counselor, wasn't supposed to win. The "smart money" was on big names like Andrew Cuomo or even Scott Stringer.
But Mamdani tapped into something real. He ran on a platform that sounded radical to some and like a lifeline to others: city-run grocery stores, total rent freezes, and taxing the top 1% to pay for it all. In the Democratic primary, he pulled off a massive upset against Andrew Cuomo, who was the heavy frontrunner for months. After three rounds of ranked-choice voting, Mamdani walked away with 56.4% of the vote. Cuomo, despite his massive war chest, got stuck at 43.6%.
New York’s demographics played a huge role here. This race saw the highest turnout since 1993, specifically because young voters flooded the polls. They weren't interested in the "status quo." They wanted the guy who promised free buses and universal childcare.
💡 You might also like: Why a Man Hits Girl for Bullying Incidents Go Viral and What They Reveal About Our Breaking Point
The Cuomo Comeback (and Why it Failed)
Andrew Cuomo doesn't just go away. After losing the Democratic primary, he did something very "Cuomo"—he launched an independent campaign under the "Fight and Deliver Party." For a while, it looked like it might work. He leaned hard into his experience, basically telling voters, "I know where the levers of power are, and the other guy is a kid with a dream." He focused on crime and antisemitism, trying to peel off moderate Democrats and older voters who were scared of Mamdani’s socialist leanings.
Even Donald Trump waded in, offering Cuomo an endorsement that Cuomo—wisely—rejected immediately. You can't win NYC with a Trump stamp on your forehead. Despite endorsements from former Mayor Michael Bloomberg and a late-game surge in some polls, Cuomo couldn't bridge the gap. He ended the general election with 906,614 votes (41.4%). Close, but in New York, close only gets you a "better luck next time" and a lot of debt.
What Happened to Eric Adams?
This is the part that still feels surreal. Eric Adams, the "Blue Collar Mayor," officially ended his reelection bid in late September 2025. Between sagging poll numbers and a lack of financing, the path to a second term just vanished.
He didn't go quietly, though. At his kickoff event in June, he was calling Mamdani a "snake oil salesman" and a "silver spoon" candidate. But by the time September rolled around, he realized the "Safe & Affordable" line wasn't going to carry him. He eventually endorsed Cuomo, but by then, the momentum had already shifted to the left.
📖 Related: Why are US flags at half staff today and who actually makes that call?
The Issues That Actually Moved the Needle
Why did voters swing so hard toward a socialist platform? Basically, people are broke.
- Affordability: This was the #1 issue for 37% of voters. When the average rent in Manhattan is hitting five figures in some spots, a "rent freeze" isn't a policy; it's a survival strategy.
- Public Safety: While Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa (who pulled 7% of the vote) wanted to hire thousands of new cops, Mamdani talked about a "Department of Community Safety." He wanted to use mental health workers for subway outreach. It was a clash of philosophies.
- Education: Mamdani’s plan to eliminate "Gifted and Talented" programs for kids under five was controversial, to say the least. Cuomo and Sliwa both wanted to expand them, arguing that they keep middle-class families in the city.
The Final Numbers
When the dust settled on November 4, 2025, the results were historic.
| Candidate | Party | Total Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zohran Mamdani | Democratic / WFP | 1,114,184 | 50.9% |
| Andrew Cuomo | Fight and Deliver | 906,614 | 41.4% |
| Curtis Sliwa | Republican | 153,749 | 7.0% |
| Eric Adams | Safe & Affordable | 6,897 | 0.3% |
Mamdani became the first Muslim and first South Asian mayor in the city’s history. He’s also the youngest since 1892. It’s a complete 180 from the Bloomberg or Giuliani eras.
Actionable Insights for New Yorkers
So, what does this mean for you now that Mamdani has taken office?
👉 See also: Elecciones en Honduras 2025: ¿Quién va ganando realmente según los últimos datos?
1. Watch the Rent Guidelines Board. If you’re in a rent-stabilized apartment, the "rent freeze" promise is his biggest test. Keep an eye on the RGB hearings in the spring. This is where his campaign promises will either become law or get watered down by real estate lobbyists.
2. Transit Changes are Coming. Mamdani has pushed for free bus service. While he can't unilaterally change the MTA (that’s mostly a state-controlled beast), expect a massive political brawl between City Hall and Albany over who pays for it. If you rely on the bus, your commute might get cheaper, but potentially more crowded.
3. New Public Safety Models. If you see fewer cops in the subways and more people in "Community Safety" vests, that’s the Mamdani plan in action. The city is shifting $1 billion toward this model. Whether it actually reduces crime or just changes the "vibe" of the city remains the biggest question mark of 2026.
The mayor of New York City race proved that the old rules of "triangulation" and "centrism" are dying in the five boroughs. New Yorkers are tired of "sorta" affordable. They’re looking for a total overhaul. Whether Mamdani can deliver on that billion-dollar vision without bankrupting the city is the story we’ll be watching for the next four years.