On Tuesday, New Yorkers will cast their votes in a crucial primary election that is anticipated to shape the city’s political landscape and influence the future of the Democratic Party. This race features two starkly different Democrats: Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist endorsed by the party’s progressive faction, and Andrew Cuomo, the former governor of New York who is backed by centrist Democrats and wealthy donors.
Andrew Cuomo resigned from his position as governor in 2021 following allegations of sexual harassment from over a dozen women. Initially, he was considered the frontrunner in this primary election. However, in recent weeks, Mamdani has experienced a remarkable surge in the polls, which could be further amplified by the primary’s ranked-choice voting system. This system allows voters to rank up to five candidates according to their preferences, creating a dynamic and potentially unpredictable election outcome.
A recent poll released on Monday indicated that Mamdani might secure a victory in the primary after multiple rounds of counting. Last week, he also announced a “cross-endorsement” with Brad Lander, a fellow progressive who recently faced arrest by ICE agents during a visit to an immigration court. Early voting commenced in New York on June 14, with the city reporting that over 380,000 residents had participated by Sunday—more than double the early voting figures from the 2021 primary.
According to the New York Post, voters under the age of 40 accounted for 40% of all early ballots cast, which bodes well for Mamdani, who has garnered significantly more support from younger demographics than Cuomo. A survey conducted last week revealed that 60% of voters aged 18-34 ranked Mamdani as their top choice, while only 10% expressed preference for Cuomo.
Mamdani has been campaigning on a bold progressive platform, which includes proposals to freeze rent and make public buses free across the city. His campaign has gained momentum, bolstered by a substantial social media following that eclipses that of his opponents. Notably, he received endorsements from prominent figures such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at a rally attended by thousands in June, and Bernie Sanders, the senator from Vermont.
In contrast, Cuomo has opted for a lower profile, favoring small, controlled appearances at union offices and other intimate venues over large rallies. As the primary race has tightened, his campaign—backed by organizations funded by billionaire Republican donors—has shifted focus towards attacking Mamdani. Millions of dollars have been spent on mailers and television advertisements targeting his opponent.
While the winner of this primary election is not guaranteed to become the 111th mayor of New York City, the likelihood remains high in a city where registered Democrats vastly outnumber Republicans. The current mayor, Eric Adams, who won the 2021 election as a Democrat, is running this year as an independent candidate and faces considerable unpopularity among constituents. Last year, Adams was accused of taking bribes and accepting foreign campaign contributions; however, the charges were dropped in April after intervention from the Trump administration.
This primary election not only stands as a critical moment for New York City’s governance but also reflects broader trends within the Democratic Party, highlighting the ongoing struggle between progressive and centrist factions. As voters head to the polls, the outcome could signal a significant shift in political dynamics both locally and nationally.
