New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo defeats Democratic primary challenger Cynthia Nixon in heated race

Craig Ruttle/AP

Amy Schumer and Nicki Minaj endorsed New York Governor Andrew Cuomo over Cynthia Nixon in Thursday's Democratic primary.

• New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo defeated Democratic primary challenger Cynthia Nixon to win his party's nomination for a third term.
• Nixon's unapologetically progressive campaign garnered much media attention, though polls suggested Cuomo held a commanding lead before Thursday's primary.
• Cuomo will face Republican Marc Molinaro and independent Stephanie Miner in November's general election.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo defeated Democratic primary challenger Cynthia Nixon to win his party's nomination for a third term.

Cuomo had far greater financial resources going into the matchup, and polls suggested he held a commanding lead before Thursday's primary.

Nixon, an activist and former "Sex and the City" star, had hoped to become the latest liberal challenger to unseat a powerful insider. Her unapologetically progressive campaign garnered much media attention.

Cuomo's campaign dismissed her as inexperienced and touted the governor's work to push back against President Donald Trump.

His victory comes despite several missteps, including a widely condemned mailer that questioned Nixon's support for Jewish people. Nixon has two Jewish children and called the attack "sleazy."

Cuomo will face Republican Marc Molinaro and independent Stephanie Miner in November's general election.

Both Cuomo and Nixon had several high-profile endorsements prior to the vote. Actress Amy Schumer and rapper Nicki Minaj announced their Cuomo endorsements this week. Rapper Cardi B stepped up to endorse Nixon.

Schumer, who is the cousin of Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer, later revealed on Instagram that she changed her mind and voted for Nixon.