New York mayoral election

Left-wing candidate defeats veteran Cuomo in New York

Former governor Andrew Cuomo concedes defeat in the Democratic primary ahead of the New York mayoral election, US media report. The election was won by 33-year-old upstart Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim and socialist who is considered to be far left.

“Tonight was not our night,” said veteran Cuomo in a speech to his supporters, in which he also announced that he had called and congratulated Mamdani.

Mamdani is now expected to face incumbent mayor Eric Adams, a former Democrat who is now running as an independent after allegations of corruption.

Analysis: Pro-Palestinian slogans could bring Mamdani down

Zohran Mamdani’s landslide victory in the New York mayoral election can be explained by his optimistic rhetoric. But a pro-Palestinian stance could become an obstacle on the way to power in the city with the largest Jewish population after Tel Aviv, according to several analytical texts.

With proposals for halted rent increases and free public transportation, to be financed by increased taxes on the city's wealthiest residents, Mamdani exudes a kind of progressive spirit that Democrats are starved for. The contrast to the "joyless" campaign of his main opponent Andrew Cuomo may partly explain his unexpected victory, writes New York Times' Nicholas Fandos.

But according to The Atlantic, Mamdani, who is Muslim and is considered far left, may face criticism for his relationship with a pro-Palestinian slogan. In a podcast, he did not want to clearly condemn the slogan "globalize the intifada", which according to writer Jonathan Chait can be seen as a call for the spread of violence against Jews.

Regardless of the outcome of the last round of elections, Mamdani's success marks a generational revolt within the Democrats, which may bring new life to the party, according to The Washington Post.

Analysis: Pro-Palestinian slogans could bring down Mamdani

Zohran Mamdani's landslide victory in the New York mayoral election can be explained by his optimistic rhetoric. But a pro-Palestinian stance could become an obstacle on the way to power in the city with the largest Jewish population after Tel Aviv, according to several analytical texts.

With proposals for halted rent increases and free public transportation, to be financed by increased taxes on the city's wealthiest residents, Mamdani exudes a kind of forward-thinking spirit that Democrats are starved for. The contrast with his main opponent Andrew Cuomo's "joyless" campaign may partly explain his unexpected victory, writes New York Times' Nicholas Fandos.

But according to The Atlantic, Mamdani, who is Muslim and considered far left, may face criticism for his relationship with a pro-Palestinian slogan. In a podcast, he did not want to clearly condemn the slogan “globalize the intifada,” which according to writer Jonathan Chait can be seen as a call for the spread of violence against Jews.

Regardless of the outcome of the last round of elections, Mamdani’s success marks a generational revolt within the Democrats, which may bring new life to the party, according to The Washington Post.