In the New York City mayoral race, 34-year-old state lawmaker Zohran Mamdani holds a double-digit lead over former Governor Andrew Cuomo after winning the Democratic primary. The contest highlights a generational divide within the Democratic Party, with Mamdani appealing to younger voters through progressive policies and social media. Early voting is underway ahead of the November 4 election.
The race for New York City mayor pits Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democratic state assemblyman, against Andrew Cuomo, the 67-year-old former governor running as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani, who turned 34 last weekend, emerged as a surprise frontrunner by defeating Cuomo in the Democratic primary earlier this year. He was previously unknown outside his assembly district but has maintained a consistent lead in general election polls.
During the first debate on October 16, Cuomo emphasized his extensive experience, serving nearly 11 years as governor after roles in the Clinton administration. His father, Mario Cuomo, was a prominent Democratic figure. Cuomo criticized Mamdani's limited resume, stating, "This is no job for on-the-job training... He never has had a job. On his resume it said he interned for his mother." Mamdani countered by highlighting integrity over experience, responding, "What I don't have in experience, I make up for in integrity... And what you don't have in integrity, you could never make up for in experience."
Cuomo's campaign carries baggage from his 2021 resignation amid a sexual misconduct scandal, which he has denied. Mamdani has proposed progressive policies like freezing apartment rents and free city bus service, resonating with younger voters. A recent AARP and Gotham Polling survey shows over half of Mamdani's support comes from those under 50, while 76% of Cuomo's is from those over 50. Patriot Polling data indicates Mamdani leads 62% to 24% among foreign-born New Yorkers but trails among U.S.-born residents, where Cuomo holds a nine-point edge.
Mamdani's social media strategy features upbeat, viral videos, contrasting Cuomo's more traditional ads. Sliwa described the duo as "the architect and the apprentice." If elected, Mamdani would be the city's first Muslim mayor in a locale with the largest Jewish community outside Israel. He has faced criticism for his views on Israel but secured endorsements from some Jewish leaders. A New York Times-Siena poll found most young voters sympathize more with Palestinians in the Gaza conflict.
Early voting began this week, with Election Day on November 4.