Major endorsements, including Trump’s, did not work
Cuomo could not

Hakikul Islam Khokon,
President Donald Trump publicly endorsed her at the last minute. But even that support didn’t help former governor Andrew Cuomo become mayor of New York City. Ending all speculations, Zohran Mamdani has won by a big margin. Khabar Ibn News.
Many thought that Trump’s influence and Cuomo’s long administrative experience could change the picture of this election. But it didn’t happen. City voters chose change and new leadership this time.
According to analysts, there are several major factors behind Cuomo’s defeat. First, controversies during his tenure as governor—particularly the concealment of nursing home death tolls during the Covid era and multiple allegations of sexual harassment—tarnished his image. Many voters saw Cuomo as a symbol of old politics, where they wanted a new face and a different style.
Second, Zohran Mamdani’s campaign was much more active, youth-oriented and clearly issue-oriented. Keeping rents steady, raising taxes on the rich, increasing social security for ordinary people—these promises resonated widely with ordinary voters. Mamdani’s campaign was filled with door-to-door, street-to-street, direct contact with people. Cuomo’s campaign, on the other hand, was more formal and old-fashioned, lacking the warmth to appeal to ordinary people.
Third, Trump’s support has backfired for many. New York City is traditionally a Democrat-controlled city. Trump’s popularity there is very low. As a result, while Cuomo gained some conservative voters for his public support, a large portion of moderate and liberal voters drifted away. One analyst said Trump’s support was not a blessing in New York, but a curse for many.
Another reason is that Cuomo was unable to rally Republican and independent voters at the last minute. Zohran Mamdani won relatively easily as the vote was split. The city’s Muslim, South Asian, African American and young voters overwhelmingly voted for Mamdani.
Cuomo admitted after the election that he would continue to fight despite the disappointing results. He told reporters, I love this city. New York is my home, I will continue to work for the people here.
On the other hand, Zohran Mamdani said in his victory speech, “It is not just my victory, it is the victory of the common people of New York.” Today we have proved that the future of the city will be determined by the people, not by any rich corporation or politician.
Political experts say the result marks the beginning of a new chapter in New York politics. Young, progressive and grassroots leaders are replacing the old leadership and influential politicians. And Cuomo’s defeat showed that—not just money, experience, or big names, today’s voters want credibility, clear positions, and hope for change