Regulation

New York City Mayoral Race Overview

The upcoming mayoral election in New York City, scheduled for Tue, Nov 4, 2025, features candidates Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa. Chris Berwick, a resident of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, has expressed his support for Cuomo, despite typically voting Republican, citing concerns over Mamdani’s policies.

Candidates and Campaign Strategies

Andrew Cuomo, a former Democratic Governor, is aiming to attract conservative voters to counter Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist who leads in the polls. Cuomo’s campaign focuses on conservative outreach, including appearances on right-wing media, as well as proposing more moderate affordability plans compared to Mamdani’s platform.

Cuomo’s policy proposals include making buses free for the poorest residents of New York City, in contrast to Mamdani’s plan for universally free buses funded by increased taxes on corporations and wealthy individuals. Mamdani’s campaign emphasizes progressive reforms, including rent freezes and universal childcare.

Polling and Political Dynamics

Recent polls indicate Mamdani is leading, with Cuomo trailing by eight to 24 percentage points, and Sliwa polling between nine and 23 percent. Cuomo’s strategy involves appealing to conservatives and independents who are wary of Mamdani’s progressive agenda.

Voter Demographics and Campaign Financing

In the 2024 voter registration data, approximately 20 percent of New York City’s 4.7 million voters were unaffiliated with a political party, while 11 percent identified as Republican. Campaign financing reports indicate pro-Cuomo and anti-Mamdani political action committees raised over $14.5 million between Jun 25 and Oct 20, 2025, compared to $1.7 million raised by pro-Mamdani PACs.

Challenges and Controversies

Cuomo’s campaign has faced criticism for employing aggressive tactics, including framing Mamdani as a “terrorist sympathiser” and questioning his stance on public safety. These strategies have drawn responses from various political figures, including Governor Kathy Hochul, who criticized the Islamophobic undertones of the campaign rhetoric.

Endorsements and Final Campaign Efforts

Cuomo has gained an endorsement from current Mayor Eric Adams, who exited the race. Despite this, shifting voter allegiances remain a potential challenge. The dynamic between experience and the promise of change continues to influence voter decisions, as seen in the sentiments of residents like Junior Shall from Crown Heights, Brooklyn.