‘We Made History’: Zohran Mamdani Declares Victory In NYC Mayoral Primary

“In the words of Nelson Mandela, ‘It always seems impossible until it is done,’” the democratic socialist said.

New York Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani early Wednesday declared victory in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary after former Gov. Andrew Cuomo conceded his defeat, saying his campaign “made history.”

The stunning result showing Mamdani on track to win the Democratic Party’s nomination, even though he has yet to clear the 50% threshold required in the city’s ranked-choice elections, was a surprise given that Cuomo was the front-runner for much of the campaign.

“We made history. In the words of Nelson Mandela, ‘It always seems impossible until it is done,’” Mamdani said as his supporters cheered him on. “My friends, we have done it.”

Mamdani, a democratic socialist, dubbed the primary a “historically contentious race” as he pledged to represent every New Yorker, whether they voted for him or not, if he wins the general election in November.

“Together, New York, we have renewed our democracy,” he said. “We have given our city permission to believe again. And I pledge to you that we will remake this great city not in my image but in the image of every New Yorker who has only known struggle. In our New York, the power belongs to the people.”