San Diego, San Jose, New York, and Boston also saw affordability ratios well above 60%.
A Mamdani candidacy and potential mayoralty could signal a policy environment more focused on tenant protections, rent regulations and public housing expansion.
He has been honored with the Five Star Real Estate Agent Award for 16 consecutive years.
A Mamdani candidacy and potential mayoralty could signal a policy environment more focused on tenant protections, rent regulations and public housing expansion.
Voters across New York City returned to the polls on Tuesday, June 24, to cast ballots in the 2025 Democratic primary elections, setting the stage for one of the most consequential general elections in recent memory. Key citywide and borough-level races saw both expected results and notable shifts, with significant implications for public policy and the real estate industry.
In the highly anticipated mayoral race, State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, a progressive from Queens, leads the Democratic field after the first round of vote tabulation. With 93% of votes counted, Mamdani held 43.5% compared to former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 36.4%.
While Cuomo’s campaign was supported by high-profile endorsements and well-funded donors, Mamdani benefited from a growing grassroots movement, particularly among younger voters. His platform emphasized housing justice, tenant protections, and investment in social infrastructure.
Should Mamdani maintain his lead through the final ranked-choice tally, he would become the Democratic nominee in a city where Democrats hold a significant voter registration advantage. At press time, while Cuomo conceded the primary contest, he had not ruled out running as an independent in the November election.
A Mamdani candidacy and potential mayoralty could signal a policy environment more focused on tenant protections, rent regulations and public housing expansion. For Realtors, this may bring increased scrutiny of private property transactions, calls for new development requirements and broader zoning or land use changes.
At the same time, citywide discussions around housing supply, affordability, and sustainability are likely to remain front and center. HGAR’s Government Affairs team will continue to engage decision-makers and advocate for balanced solutions that support both housing access and property rights.
Beyond the mayoral race, several key borough-level primaries shaped the political landscape heading into the general election:
Bronx: Incumbent Borough President Vanessa Gibson secured re-election over Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr. with 68.5% of the vote. Gibson has supported affordable housing creation and public-private development partnerships.
Manhattan: State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal appears to have defeated Council Member Keith Powers in the race for Manhattan Borough President. Hoylman-Sigal has focused on zoning equity, tenant protections and climate resiliency.
Brooklyn: Borough President Antonio Reynoso defeated challenger Khari Edwards. Reynoso has been vocal about reforming land use practices, expanding affordable housing and advancing public health planning.
Queens: Borough President Donovan Richards ran unopposed in the Democratic primary. He has championed resiliency planning and transit-oriented development across the borough.
Staten Island: Republican incumbent Borough President Michael Colombo also ran unopposed and is expected to remain a leading voice for infrastructure investment and low-density neighborhood protections.
Citywide: Public Advocate Jumaane Williams won the Democratic primary decisively and will seek re-election in November. Williams has consistently advocated for tenant protections, housing affordability and police reform.
Comptroller: Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine secured the Democratic nomination for New York City Comptroller. Levine brings experience in health equity and housing finance, areas that intersect directly with city development and infrastructure investment.
With the primary season nearly behind us, attention now turns to the General Election this November, where voters will decide who will lead New York City through a pivotal period of recovery, growth and housing transformation.
For Realtors, the decisions made by these leaders on zoning, tax policy, development incentives and rental regulation will directly impact our work and our communities. That’s why it is more important than ever for our industry to remain informed, engaged and involved.
While the primaries have set the stage, the final outcome will be determined in November. Real estate professionals have a stake in the decisions that shape housing, development, taxation and property rights across New York City.
Staying informed, understanding the issues, and making your voice heard at the ballot box is essential. These elections will determine who leads our communities forward—and their decisions will directly affect the real estate industry and the clients we serve.
Participation matters. Engagement matters. The future of our industry depends on it.
Dr. Jermaine Meadows is the Bronx Director of Government Affairs for the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors.
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