NEW YORK, U.S.: A political newcomer is on the verge of reshaping New York City politics. Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old state assemblyman and self-described democratic socialist, is poised to win the city's Democratic mayoral primary—beating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in a dramatic upset.

With nearly 95% of ballot scanners reporting, Mamdani led Cuomo 43.5% to 36.4%, according to preliminary results from the city's elections board. Though the outcome won't be finalized until next week due to New York's ranked-choice voting system, Mamdani's lead is considered difficult to overcome.

Adding to the momentum, third-place finisher City Comptroller Brad Lander—who earned 11.6% of the vote—had encouraged supporters to list Mamdani as their second choice, likely boosting the progressive's odds in subsequent ranked-choice rounds.

Cuomo, 67, conceded the race on Tuesday night in brief remarks to supporters. "Tonight is his night," he said, confirming that he had called Mamdani to offer congratulations.

The result marks a major political comeback attempt gone awry for Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 amid multiple sexual harassment allegations. He has denied the accusations, calling them misinterpretations of behavior he intended as affectionate or humorous.

Mamdani, born in Uganda to a family of Indian descent, would become the city's first Muslim mayor. A vocal pro-Palestinian advocate, he was elected to represent Queens in the New York State Assembly and rose to prominence with endorsements from progressive leaders like Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Throughout the campaign, Cuomo leaned on his long political résumé and the support of establishment figures like Bill Clinton and Michael Bloomberg. He argued Mamdani lacked the executive experience required to govern a city of over 8 million people. Mamdani, in turn, attacked Cuomo's record on housing and his resignation over the harassment claims.

The mayoral contest has been seen as a bellwether for the future of the Democratic Party under Republican President Donald Trump's second term. Voters faced a stark choice between Cuomo's centrist credentials and Mamdani's progressive platform focused on housing, policing, and climate.

Mamdani is now the favorite heading into November's general election in a heavily Democratic city. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams will run as an independent but is facing a series of corruption investigations and criticism over his perceived proximity to Trump.

Republicans are fielding Curtis Sliwa, a radio personality and founder of the Guardian Angels crime patrol group, who lost to Adams in 2021.

For many voters, Mamdani's rise represents generational and ideological change. "I think it's time for somebody young, a person of color, something different," said Ignacio Tambunting, 28, after casting his vote in Manhattan.

Others supported Mamdani as a default choice over Cuomo. "No. God, no," said Leah Johanson, 39, when asked if she ranked Cuomo. "I'm not gonna vote for a man who is credibly accused of molesting women."

With ranked-choice rounds still to be processed, Mamdani's alliance with Lander could expand his lead—capping one of the most surprising Democratic primaries in recent city history.