As the New York City mayoral election approaches, supporters of candidate Zohran Mamdani rallied at Borough Hall in St. George, Staten Island, on Sunday to mobilize voters ahead of early voting. With only six days remaining before the polls open, volunteers canvassed the North Shore, aiming to connect with residents and encourage participation in the election.
During the event, Yesenia Mata from the New York Immigration Coalition Action emphasized the potential transformation of Staten Island. “We know that in the next five to 10 years, the Island is going to be completely different,” she told the crowd. “It will no longer be the forgotten borough, but it’s because of all of us, because we did this together.”
Community Engagement and Key Issues
Former U.S. Representative Jamaal Bowman also addressed the gathering, stressing the importance of maximizing early voting turnout. “It’s up to all of us to make sure we have record numbers with early voting,” he stated, urging attendees to register as many voters as possible before the election.
Marcela Mitaynes, a Democratic Assemblymember from Brooklyn, shared her experiences canvassing. She highlighted the mixed reactions from residents, noting, “We are seeing a lot of people being supportive of the messaging, but there’s also a lot of fear.” Mitaynes pointed out that many business owners are still grappling with the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Among those engaged was Shahana Masum, a resident of Mariners Harbor, who articulated her concerns regarding affordability. “My three children were born here, and grew up here, and they left because they cannot afford it,” Masum explained. Her family’s educational achievements contrasted with the high cost of living, underscoring the urgency behind Mamdani’s campaign.
Another volunteer, Ruben Sibri from West Brighton, echoed similar sentiments about affordability being a unifying issue in the community. “I think it’s going to be surprising to people how strong the coalition here is on Staten Island,” he remarked, noting the positive responses he received while door-knocking.
The Political Landscape
As the mayoral race intensifies, Mamdani currently leads with 46% support following the withdrawal of Mayor Eric Adams. According to a recent Quinnipiac University poll, Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent candidate, has gained traction with 33% support citywide. Notably, Cuomo has surpassed Mamdani in Staten Island, reflecting a shift in voter sentiment.
Cuomo’s frequent visits to Staten Island since mid-September, along with his discussions regarding his platform, have contributed to his increasing popularity. Meanwhile, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa has maintained a strong presence throughout the campaign, engaging with voters at various events.
The evolving dynamics of the race signal a competitive election ahead, with Mamdani working to solidify his support base on Staten Island. As early voting approaches, candidates are keenly aware that every interaction could prove crucial in shaping the outcome on Election Day.
