As New York City residents head to the polls this Tuesday, they are faced with a choice that reflects a significant generational and ideological divide that could have lasting implications across the United States. The race for the nation’s largest city pits Democratic primary winner Zohran Mamdani against former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent, and perennial Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, who is aiming for a major upset.
A victory for Mamdani would mark a historic moment, as he would become the city’s first Muslim mayor and one of the youngest leaders in generations. His rise as a democratic socialist could propel him to national prominence, positioning his brand of economic populism on a prominent political stage in America.
In stark contrast, a win for Cuomo would represent a dramatic political comeback just four years after he resigned as governor amid numerous sexual harassment allegations. For Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels crime patrol and a familiar face in New York tabloid culture, a victory would be a significant milestone for the Republican Party in a city that has leaned Democratic for decades.
The election has thrust Mamdani into the national spotlight, drawing criticism from Donald Trump and other Republicans, who portray him as the face of a more radical Democratic Party. Trump has gone as far as threatening to take control of the city if Mamdani wins, even suggesting the arrest and deportation of the state Assembly member, who, despite being born in Uganda, is a U.S. citizen.
In a surprising twist, Trump endorsed Cuomo just before the election, warning that Mamdani would bring “disaster” to the city and urging Sliwa’s supporters to back the former governor instead.
Mamdani, a 34-year-old state lawmaker, previously defeated Cuomo in the Democratic primary, energizing progressive voters with a campaign centered on lowering the cost of living in one of the most expensive cities in the country. This time around, Cuomo is banking on support from moderates and Republicans, especially after incumbent Mayor Eric Adams exited the race, providing Cuomo with an endorsement that could bolster his appeal among centrists, Black voters, and ultra-Orthodox Jews.
Cuomo has also garnered significant support from former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who contributed $1.5 million to a super PAC backing Cuomo in the final days of the campaign.
Mamdani has gained traction nationally, receiving endorsements from prominent progressives like U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. His campaign promises include raising taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers to fund initiatives such as free city buses and universal child care, along with a freeze on rent for around 1 million rent-regulated apartments.
However, some centrists are concerned about Mamdani’s past criticisms of the city’s police department and his views on the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza, which he has described as genocidal. His refusal to acknowledge Israel as a Jewish state has also alarmed certain Jewish leaders, who view him as a potential threat to the community.
The general election is traditional in format, meaning the candidate with the most votes will win. In contrast, the Democratic primaries utilized ranked choice voting, allowing voters to rank candidates by preference. Sliwa’s route to victory appears narrow in this predominantly Democratic city, relying on his firm stance on crime and a New York attitude to attract the GOP vote, as well as moderates who are reluctant to support Mamdani or see Cuomo return to power.
At 71, Sliwa has faced pressure within his party to withdraw and create a direct competition between Cuomo and Mamdani, but he has chosen to remain in the race. Trump himself has downplayed Sliwa’s chances, calling him “not exactly prime time.” In the final weeks of the campaign, Cuomo targeted Sliwa's supporters, asserting that a vote for Sliwa would ultimately aid Mamdani’s chances.
Cuomo, now 67, has positioned himself as a seasoned executive capable of navigating the city’s complex bureaucracy, contrasting his experience with Mamdani’s relative newcomer status. Yet, Cuomo's history remains a significant vulnerability, as he resigned in 2021 after a report revealed he had sexually harassed at least 11 women.
While Cuomo initially expressed remorse for some of his actions, he has since adopted a defiant stance, labeling his accusers liars and attributing his political downfall to adversaries. As New Yorkers cast their votes, the outcome of this election will not only determine the city’s future leadership but could also signal broader trends in American politics.
