It was a night of mixed emotions for the Cuomo family — and one that played out live on television.
As ballots were counted and screens flashed across the newsroom, Chris Cuomo found himself in the tough position of reporting his own brother’s defeat in real time.
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who once ruled Albany as a powerful Democrat, had hoped to stage a comeback — this time as an independent candidate for mayor of New York City.
But on Tuesday night, the results told a different story.
Zohran Mamdani’s Shock Win in New York City
Thirty-four-year-old Democrat Zohran Mamdani stormed to victory, securing 50.4 percent of the vote in the nation’s largest city.
His grassroots campaign — built around free public transport, rent freezes, and higher taxes for the wealthy — proved impossible to stop.
Andrew Cuomo trailed behind with 42 percent after breaking away from the Democratic Party to run independently, while Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa managed just eight percent of the vote.
The outcome marked a major shift in New York City politics — and a stunning upset for the political veteran.
A Difficult Night for the Cuomos
While Andrew was conceding defeat to cheering crowds, his younger brother Chris was at NewsNation’s election desk, covering the results as they broke.
When Mamdani’s win was officially confirmed, the camera turned to Chris, who took a deep breath and handled the moment with calm professionalism — and just a touch of brotherly honesty.
“Of course I wanted my brother to win,” he admitted live on air.
“I believe in my brother. He’s a tremendous operator within government.
But he’s not what Democrats want right now in their party — and Democrats win in New York City.”
One Line That Summed It All Up
Chris Cuomo kept his analysis simple, summing up his brother’s loss in a single line:
“The Democrat was gonna win in New York City.”
He went on to suggest that the race reflected a larger political trend — one that may carry over into the upcoming midterm elections.
“I think there’s a metaphor here, a reaction to MAGA,” he added, predicting that the city’s clear preference for progressive Democrats could shape the national landscape in 2026.
Democrats Celebrate a Strong Election Night
It wasn’t just New York that turned blue. Democrats also celebrated sweeping victories across Virginia, where they secured wins for governor, attorney general, and lieutenant governor — a clear sign that progressive candidates are gaining momentum nationwide.
For the Democratic Party, the night was a symbolic pushback against the right — and a sign that urban voters continue to favor candidates who promise reform, inclusion, and stronger social programs.
Andrew Cuomo Concedes Gracefully
Back in New York, Andrew Cuomo took the stage at his campaign headquarters to address supporters.
As some in the crowd began to boo Mamdani’s name, the former governor quickly silenced them.
“No, no,” he said firmly. “That is not right. That is not us.”
Cuomo acknowledged his loss but expressed pride in the 42 percent of New Yorkers who backed him, even without the support of a major party.
“Almost half of New Yorkers did not vote to support a government agenda that makes promises we know cannot be met,” he said, calling his independent campaign a moral victory.
Mamdani’s Progressive Platform Sparks Debate
Zohran Mamdani’s campaign was built on ambitious promises — free bus rides, rent freezes on regulated apartments, free childcare, and a higher minimum wage.
He has made no secret of how he plans to pay for it all: by increasing taxes on the wealthy and major corporations.
Critics, including Cuomo, argue that such policies could hurt the city’s business climate and job creation.
“We support an economy of jobs, of opportunity, of entrepreneurship,” Cuomo said in his concession speech.
“That is what New York City is — and that’s how it must remain.”
He also emphasized his support for law enforcement, saying, “We believe in law and order, and we need the police to keep society safe. We will not make the NYPD the enemy.”
A Subtle Dig at Mamdani’s Politics
Cuomo’s final remarks also carried a pointed undertone, particularly when he spoke about intolerance and discrimination.
“We cherish our diversity and have no tolerance for behavior that fans the flames of anti-Semitism,” he said — a clear reference to Mamdani’s outspoken support for Palestine during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The new mayor-elect’s stance has divided opinion in New York, especially among the city’s large Jewish community.
The Rise of a New Political Star
Mamdani’s win marks a stunning rise from relative obscurity.
Born in Uganda and raised in Queens, the 34-year-old Assemblymember has transformed from a local progressive voice into one of America’s most-watched new mayors.
After his victory was announced, Mamdani posted a celebratory video showing a subway door opening at the “City Hall” station — a symbolic gesture of a new beginning.
“Thank you to the next generation of New Yorkers who refused to accept that the promise of a better future was a relic of the past,” he said in his victory speech.
“We are breathing in the air of a city that has been reborn.”
Trump’s Harsh Response to the Election Outcome
Not everyone shared Mamdani’s optimism. President Donald Trump, who had earlier branded the Democrat a “communist,” issued a furious response to the result.
He warned that if Mamdani were to lead New York City, he would withhold nearly all federal funding, except what was legally required.
“A Communist New York has zero chance of success or even survival,” Trump declared, calling Mamdani’s socialist ideals “a complete and total disaster.”
Ironically, Trump had endorsed Andrew Cuomo — his longtime political rival — in an attempt to prevent Mamdani’s victory.
On election night, he blamed the losses of his endorsed candidates on one thing: “The Trump name wasn’t on the ballot.”
A Political Turning Point for New York
The election marked a dramatic shift for New York City politics — away from centrist pragmatism and toward a more progressive vision of government.
While Andrew Cuomo exits the spotlight once again, Mamdani’s triumph signals a generational change in leadership — one that could reshape not only New York’s political identity but also its economic future.
And for Chris Cuomo, the night was both professional and deeply personal — a moment that perfectly captured the complex intersection of family, politics, and the unpredictable drama of democracy.