Zohran Mamdani Takes Commanding Lead in NYC Mayoral Race
The race has ignited unprecedented voter engagement, with more than 735,000 early ballots already cast, setting a city record, according to the Board of Elections in the City of New York.
The surge in early voting underscores the national spotlight on the mayoral contest as it heads into its decisive final stretch.
Much of the attention centers on Mamdani, who, if victorious Tuesday night, would make history as the city’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor, as well as its first unapologetically democratic socialist leader.
Mamdani has focused his campaign on affordability in a metropolis known for its sky-high living costs, tackling issues that resonate with voters’ wallets while dismissing criticism from across the political spectrum, including fellow Democrats, over his left-leaning policies and pro-Palestinian stance.
He has pushed proposals to freeze rent for tenants in rent-stabilized apartments, provide free universal childcare, offer free bus service citywide, and establish city-run grocery stores to supply cheaper food for New Yorkers in a city of 8.4 million.
“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.”
Mamdani faces competition from former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, a rightwing community activist and radio host.
Cuomo, running as an Independent after losing the Democratic primary to Mamdani in June, is presenting himself as the candidate best equipped to lead the city, citing decades of public service including his tenure overseeing New York during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Cuomo’s record has drawn renewed scrutiny due to multiple controversies during his governorship, including allegations of sexual misconduct and retaliation deemed credible by the Justice Department.
Cuomo has received the endorsement of President Donald Trump, who has sharply criticized Mamdani, labeling him a “communist” and warning he could withhold federal funding from New York City if the Democrat wins.
Meanwhile, Sliwa has resisted calls to withdraw from the race to give Cuomo a better chance at defeating Mamdani, though it remains unclear if such a move would materially impact the final result.
Polling data compiled by Real Clear Politics shows Mamdani leading by an average of 14.3%, a commanding margin heading into Election Day. The compilation places Mamdani at 46.1%, Cuomo at 31.8%, and Sliwa at 16.3%, though it is uncertain whether Sliwa’s supporters would pivot to Cuomo.
While polls since July consistently show Mamdani in the lead, results vary on the size of his advantage. Atlas Intel, a market research firm, has Mamdani ahead by just five points in its Nov. 3 survey, while The Hill/Emerson College shows him at 50% support, double Cuomo’s share. Most other polls indicate a low double-digit lead for Mamdani.
Voters will cast their ballots beginning at 6 a.m. Eastern Time (1100 GMT) on Tuesday, with polling locations closing at 9 p.m. (0200 GMT Wednesday). Anyone in line at that hour will still be allowed to vote.
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