Rep. Laura Gillen (D-NY) issued a sharp critique of Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani on Wednesday, warning that he is “too extreme to lead” New York City following his strong performance in the Democratic mayoral primary.
“Mamdani’s campaign has been built on unachievable promises and higher taxes — exactly what New York doesn’t need right now,” Gillen said in a statement. “His proposals, including defunding the police, are out of touch, and his record includes troubling, unacceptable antisemitic rhetoric that only stokes more division at a time when antisemitism is on the rise.”
Gillen’s comments came a day after former Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded defeat, acknowledging Mamdani’s lead in the race.
“Tonight was not our night,” Cuomo said Tuesday, as reported by The Hill. “Tonight was Assemblyman Mamdani’s night. He put together a great campaign that energized young voters and brought them to the polls.”
With 93 percent of the vote counted, Mamdani led the field with 43.5% (432,305 votes), followed by Cuomo at 36.4% (361,840 votes). New York City Comptroller Brad Lander placed third, with 11.3% (112,349 votes), according to the Associated Press. Although Mamdani currently leads, the final outcome will be determined through the city’s ranked-choice voting system.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mamdani celebrated his primary victory: “In the words of Nelson Mandela: it always seems impossible until it’s done. My friends, it is done. And you are the ones who did it. I’m honored to be your Democratic nominee for Mayor of New York City.”
Mamdani’s campaign has drawn both praise and criticism for its progressive platform. One of his key proposals is to create city-owned grocery stores in an effort to combat rising food costs.
“We’ll reallocate public funds from subsidizing corporate supermarkets to building city-run grocery stores focused on affordability, not profit,” Mamdani said in a campaign video. “By eliminating rent, property taxes, and profit margins, we can deliver real savings to New Yorkers.”
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) endorsed Mamdani, calling him the kind of bold leader needed to take on corporate interests and fight for working people.
“At this dangerous moment in history, status quo politics isn’t good enough,” Sanders said. “We need new leadership that is ready to take on powerful corporate interests and fight for the working class. Zohran Mamdani brings that vision. He’s the right choice for New York City.”
The final result of the Democratic primary will be determined in the coming days once ranked-choice votes are fully tabulated.
