New Yorkers will make a critical decision on November 2, 2023, as they choose their next mayor in a highly unpredictable race. The frontrunner, Zohran Mamdani, has garnered national attention, even drawing comments from former President Donald Trump, who labelled him “a communist.” Mamdani, a 34-year-old naturalised Muslim American and member of the New York State Legislature representing Queens, is competing against former governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary to Mamdani.
Polling data from Quinnipiac University shows Mamdani leading with 43% of the vote, while Cuomo follows at 33% and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa trails at 14%. The campaign has revolved around pressing issues such as the cost of living, crime, and the candidates’ approaches to Trump, who has threatened to withhold federal funds from New York City.
Mamdani’s candidacy is significant as he embodies a shift within the Democratic Party, highlighting the divide between its left and centrist factions. Kathy Hochul, New York’s state governor and a centrist, recently attended a Mamdani rally but faced vocal opposition from supporters chanting “tax the rich.” Hochul has publicly expressed concerns over Mamdani’s proposal to implement a 2% income tax on New Yorkers earning over $1 million.
The campaign has seen a surge of young volunteers, with Mamdani’s team claiming that 90,000 individuals have stepped up to support him. “It really comes back to people speaking to other New Yorkers about the city that we all love,” Mamdani said in an interview. Abid Mahdi, a teenager leading canvassing efforts, compared Mamdani’s impact to that of Bernie Sanders, stating, “He is my Bernie Sanders in a lot of ways.”
As the election approaches, Mamdani has been actively engaging with older voters, who traditionally have higher turnout rates. Recently, he participated in a “paint and pour” event at an elder care home in Brooklyn. Meanwhile, the weather has posed challenges for canvassing efforts, with heavy rain hampering outreach activities. The three leading candidates are making their final appearances in media outlets to appeal to undecided voters.
In a noteworthy campaign moment, Sliwa appeared in a unique conservative rap video, showcasing his distinctive personality. Cuomo, seeking to reconnect with Black and Muslim voters, campaigned in Harlem alongside current mayor Eric Adams, who endorsed him despite facing his own controversies.
Recent media coverage has added an unexpected layer to the race. A British newspaper published an article featuring comments purportedly from former mayor and Mamdani supporter Bill de Blasio. The article suggested skepticism about the feasibility of Mamdani’s spending plans, but it was retracted after de Blasio denied ever speaking to the journalist.
As New Yorkers head to the polls, the outcome of this election could have lasting implications for the city, reflecting broader national trends and sentiments within the electorate.
