Andrew Cuomo concedes the New York City mayoral primary to Zohran Mamdani, who leads in the first-choice vote

State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani is the leader as first-choice votes are tallied in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary, ahead of former New York Gov.

State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani is the leader as first-choice votes are tallied in the New York City Democratic mayoral primary, ahead of former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who declared his rival the winner even though no candidate is set to secure a majority in the first round of the ranked choice election.

Mamdani had been surging in the race’s final weeks as he touted a progressive vision for a new direction for the city — one with rent freezes and city-run grocery stores price caps, free city buses and more. He boosted his appeal with energetic direct-to-camera videos, as well as moves like spending a weekend night before Election Day walking the length of Manhattan, stopping to chat with voters and record clips along the way.

And he won the backing of prominent liberal politicians in the city as the flag-bearer of a unified, progressive effort aimed at depriving Cuomo a political comeback.

Zohran Mamdani greets supporters on election night.Michael M. Santiago / Getty ImagesLate Tuesday, Mamdani led the first-choice vote count with about 44% support, followed by about 36% for Cuomo.

Speaking to supporters early Wednesday morning, Mamdani quoted the late South African leader Nelson Mandela, painting a picture of a campaign powered by the working class that rose up to demand a new direction for its city.