New York will elect a new mayor on Tuesday after months of frenzied campaigning that made headlines across the world. Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani is expected to secure a landslide victory — becoming the first-ever Muslim mayor of the city. Billionaires have spent a massive sum to avert the possibility while Republicans, including Donald Trump, spoke vehemently in support of independent candidate Andrew Cuomo.
“Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him and hope he does a fantastic job. He is capable of it, Mamdani is not!” the US President posted on Tuesday.
He has derided Mamdani nearly every day over the past few months — from critiquing his policies to insisting he was “better looking” than the mayoral candidate. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo had opted to run as an independent candidate after losing the Democratic primary to Mamdani. Trump has also remained quiet about Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa.
When will the election take place?
More than 735,000 ballots have already been cast during the nine days of early voting. New Yorkers will now queue up for in-person voting on Tuesday — from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm. Voters who are in line by the end of this time will also be allowed to vote even after the polls officially close.
Who are the candidates?
There are three main contenders for the Mayoral post — Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa. Others appearing on the mayoral ballot include Irene Estrada (Conservative Party) and Joseph Hernandez (Quality of Life Party). Former Mayor Eric Adams and Jim Walden will also appear on the ballot since they withdrew from the race after the deadline.
Zohran Mamdani
The 34-year-old Democratic nominee has campaigned extensively on affordability, sought rent freezes, universal childcare and cheaper public transport, and called for the hourly minimum wage to be raised to $30. He is an immigrant and a Muslim — both of which have been flashpoints for critics. Mamdani has Indian roots through his parents, was born in Uganda and is married to a Syrian-born artist. His popularity has surged wildly over the past few months (with ‘fans’ from across the world). If elected he would be the first Muslim mayor of New York as well as its first leader to be born in Africa, or have South Asian descent.
His bold agenda and inspirational approach have attracted thousands of volunteers in New York and brought the likes of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to campaign on his behalf. It has also spooked some business leaders and voices in the Jewish community, who otherwise support Democrats but oppose some of Mamdani’s past statements about personal wealth accumulation and Israel.
Andrew Cuomo
The clear generational and ideological divides within the Democratic party had come to the fore as the former Governor clashed bitterly with Mamdani for an official nomination. He had eventually decided to contest as an independent after losing the primaries. Cuomo had previously served as the Governor of New York state from 2011 to 2021 — resigning in disgrace after a state inquiry confirmed sexual harassment allegations by 13 women.
Curtis Sliwa
The Republican nominee is hoping to deliver a somewhat unlikely upset on Tuesday — resisting pressure to withdraw from the race. There has been growing concern that the 71-year-old could split the anti-Mamdani vote. Sliwa has been tagged as a ‘true New Yoker’ by many on the internet and remains known for his signature red beret. He first rose to prominence as the leader of the Guardian Angels — a volunteer crime-fighting group that became famous for its patrols of the New York subway system.