Mamdani pulls ahead in New York mayoral race
Early voting has already broken records, with reports indicating that more than 735,000 ballots have been submitted, highlighting the intense public interest as the election enters its final phase.
Mamdani’s prominence in the race stems in part from his potential to make history. Should he win, he would become the city’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor, and also its first openly democratic socialist leader.
The candidate has focused his campaign on addressing affordability challenges in New York City, speaking directly to voters’ financial concerns while confronting criticism from multiple fronts, including fellow Democrats, over his progressive policies and pro-Palestinian stance.
Mamdani has advocated for measures including freezing rent for residents of rent-stabilized housing, providing universal free child care, offering free bus service citywide, and establishing city-run grocery stores to lower food costs. “All of this would be paid for, he says, by raising the corporate tax rate to 11.5% -- the same as in neighboring New Jersey -- as well as a 2% income tax on those earning over $1 million per year.”
His main rivals in the race are former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, a conservative activist and radio host. Cuomo, who lost the Democratic primary to Mamdani in June, is running as an Independent, presenting himself as the candidate best equipped to lead the city based on decades of public service, including his tenure during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Cuomo’s past controversies continue to shadow his campaign, notably multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and retaliation deemed credible by the Justice Department.
Despite this, he has secured the endorsement of President Donald Trump, who has criticized Mamdani as a “communist” and warned that federal funding for New York could be curtailed if the Democrat prevails.
Sliwa has resisted calls to withdraw from the race to improve Cuomo’s chances, though analysts remain uncertain whether such a move would significantly influence the final vote.
Aggregated polling data shows Mamdani holding a substantial lead over his opponents.
According to reports, he averages 46.1% support, compared to Cuomo’s 31.8% and Sliwa’s 16.3%, though individual surveys vary. Atlas Intel’s latest poll places Mamdani just five points ahead, while another by The Hill/Emerson College shows him with 50% support, roughly double that of Cuomo. Most polls indicate a double-digit advantage for Mamdani.
Voters are set to cast their ballots starting at 6 am Eastern Time (1100 GMT) on Tuesday, with polling stations closing at 9 pm (0200 GMT Wednesday). Those in line at closing will still be allowed to vote, ensuring all early and late-arriving citizens have a chance to participate.
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