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In the race for mayor of New York City, polling has consistently shown Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani holding a substantial lead over former governor and independent candidate Andrew Cuomo. Aggregated data from RealClearPolitics place Mamdani at approximately 46 percent and Cuomo at about 31 percent, yielding a roughly 15-point advantage for Mamdani in a three-way contest.
Mamdani’s momentum is powered by strong support from younger and progressive voters and a campaign built around housing affordability and public-safety reform. Meanwhile, Cuomo has gained some ground following the exit of incumbent Eric Adams from the race but remains well behind in the multi-candidate field.
With early voting underway and election day looming, the question now is whether Cuomo can mount a serious comeback or if Mamdani’s lead will hold firm. How turnout, candidate messaging and voter demographics play out will determine whether this lead translates into Election Day victory.
This live blog is now closed.
Nov 03, 2025 at 08:03 AM EST
Final survey from ‘most accurate’ pollster expected Monday
The CEO of AtlasIntel, the polling company dubbed the most accurate in the 2024 presidential election by Nate Silver, said that the pollster's final survey of NYC voters will be released at 1 p.m. ET Monday.
The polling firm published a poll on Saturday that put Democratic candidate state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani on 40.6 percent and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on 30 percent. Mamdani's six-point advantage in the poll is a far cry from the double digit leads he has enjoyed in most other polls in the past four months.
Furthermore, in AtlasIntel's hypothetical two-way match up between Mamdani and Cuomo (who lost the Democratic primary and opted instead to run as an independent), it is the former governor who comes out on top, with 50.2 percent of the vote, to Mamdani's 42 percent.
The result prompted many Cuomo supporters to urge Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa to drop out, while others described it as "far fetched" and "gutsy."
Cuomo said: "The gap is closing fast -- we can feel it on the ground everywhere from the Bronx to Staten Island. At this rate, we win the race."
Nov 03, 2025 at 06:02 AM EST
Early voting in NYC mayoral race quadruples compared to 2021 turnout
Sunday was the last day of early voting in the New York City mayoral race, with the final tally of votes cast across the five boroughs totaling 735,317, according to data from the city's Board of Elections.
This is over four times the amount of early votes from 2021, the last time New Yorkers elected a mayor. The total number of early votes cast that year was 169,879.
Early voting for the 2025 New York City mayoral election began on Saturday, October 25. On the first day alone, about 79,409 ballots were cast—roughly five times the number from the same day in 2021.
The large turnout has been flagged as potentially good news for Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani—his campaign is built on mobilizing voters who might have skipped past cycles.
Nov 03, 2025 at 04:10 AM EST
Early voting trends put Mamdani within reach of 1 Million votes, says pollster
The founder of the polling website Zenith Research, Adam Carlson, has said that he thinks the Democratic candidate for New York City's mayoral race Zohran Mamdani could be set to win 1 million votes on Election Day.
In a post shared on the social media platform X on Saturday, Carlson suggested that, based on early voting turnout data, "Mamdani has a real shot of winning 1 million votes."
No candidate has won more than 1 million votes since 1969, when the incumbent John Lindsay, who lost the Republican primary but got backing from the Liberal Party, saw off competition from the Democrats and Republicans to net 42.4 percent of the vote.
Read in full from Jasmine Laws on Newsweek.
Oct 31, 2025 at 07:30 PM EDT
GOP Councilwoman endorses Cuomo, claims many who escaped Soviet Russia fear Mamdani will bring same policies to NYC
Republican Councilwoman Inna Vernikov endorsed Andrew Cuomo, as the two met in Brooklyn's Brighton Beach, in the heart of New York City's Russian community.
Vernikov said that one of the reasons for her endorsement was because many of those who fled Soviet Russia for New York were endorsing Cuomo because they feared that everything they escaped back home, would be coming to NYC under Democrat Socialist Zohran Mamdani.
"Inna has been a fearless voice against antisemitism and for public safety, accountability, and common sense in city government. We may come from different parties, but we share the same goal: protecting New York’s values and future. I’m honored to have her endorsement," Cuomo said on X.
Oct 31, 2025 at 06:30 PM EDT
Billionaires spending thousands to millions to stop Mamdani from getting elected
Zohran Mamdani, who is ahead in every New York City mayoral election poll, has promised to tax the rich and make NYC more affordable - prompting some of the city's wealthiest to threaten to leave if he wins.
Meanwhile, other billionaires have put their money where their mouth is, and have invested heavily to back Andrew Cuomo in the race.
The billionaires who've spent more than $100,000 in the race since the June primary, according to Business Insider, include:
Michael Bloomberg – $5 million since June primary.
Joe Gebbia – $2 million
Bill Ackman – $1.25 million since
Ronald Lauder – $1.25 million
William Lauder – $500,000
Steve Wynn – $500,000
Daniel Loeb – $350,000
Barry Diller – $250,000
Alice Walton –$100,000
Laurie Tisch – $100,000
Oct 31, 2025 at 05:30 PM EDT
Mamdani reveals how he would handle New York City ICE raid once mayor
Zohran Mamdani revealed how he would handle an ICE raid in New York City if elected mayor, after the Trump administration launched major enforcement actions in Chicago and Los Angeles.
The Democrat candidate told NBC News that the first thing he would do, would remind New Yorkers of their rights, "making it clear that this is not something that we stand for, being proud of our sanctuary city policies and utilizing the courts."
“Because so many of the threats that Donald Trump makes are not law, even though he seems to believe that just by saying it, they become so," he added.
Mamdani added that many other Democratic city and state leaders had successfully pushed back against the Trump administration by fighting in the courts at the state level. Something he said he planned to emulate, with the support of Gov. Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Tish James - both of whom have already endorsed him.
"That is the coalition that would be on the front lines of fighting Donald Trump," he added.
Oct 31, 2025 at 04:25 PM EDT
Mamdani reveals what ‘scares’ him about if Cuomo won the election
Zohran Mamdani has revealed what "scares" him about Andrew Cuomo potentially winning the New York City mayoral election.
"I think what scares me in this moment is the prospect of Donald Trump’s puppet becoming the one who would hold it,” Mamdani told ABC News, in reference to Cuomo.
“And that’s what we find in Andrew Cuomo, a man who knows he has a narrow path to City Hall and has taken that to mean that he should fund it and pave it with the money from Donald Trump’s billionaire donors."
Mamdani said that, unlike his rivals Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa, he would take a hard line against Trump.
Oct 31, 2025 at 03:25 PM EDT
Mamdani said he’s open to meeting with Trump
Zohran Mamdani said that he would be open to speaking with, and even meeting President Donald Trump, if it helped New Yorkers.
The Democratic New York City mayoral candidate said that he was prepared to have "that conversation around cost of living, if the president ever wants to."
However, Mamdani said he was prepared to fight the president if he began to push policies that harm New Yorkers.
“If the president wants to have a conversation about hurting New Yorkers, about sending more ICE agents here to terrorize families, about cuts that we’ve seen, whether it be taking from the city budget or suspending funding for city schools or threatening $18 billion in infrastructure grants being withheld, that’s not something I’m going to go along with. That’s something that I’m going to fight," he added.
Oct 31, 2025 at 01:00 PM EDT
Cuomo claims a vote for Curtis Sliwa is ‘a vote for Mamdani’
Andrew Cuomo warned on Friday that New Yorkers voting for Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, rather than himself, would actually end up helping the Zohram Mamdani campaign by splitting the vote.
"The scariest thing this Halloween… is that a vote for Sliwa is a vote for Mamdani," Cuomo posted, along with a picture of Mamdani holding a Sliwa mask.
Oct 31, 2025 at 11:50 AM EDT
OPINION: Reject radical Mamdani: NYC mayor race has national ramifications
In just a few days, a Karl Marx-quoting communist who has struggled to disavow Hamas is likely to be elected the next mayor of the nation's financial and cultural epicenter. Thirty-three-year-old New York state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani has surged to the front of the race. He leads by double digits in virtually every public poll, he is an overwhelming favorite in the online betting markets.
Absent a miracle, in short, Mamdani is going to win and will be the next mayor of New York City. But one might be forgiven for believing in the possibility of miracles. Mamdani must, somehow, be rejected—and if he prevails, the grave consequences will extend far beyond the Big Apple.
First, consider Mandani's platform. He proposes a rent freeze on all rent-stabilized apartments, the creation of hundreds of thousands of publicly owned housing units, "free" city-run grocery stores, universal child care from infancy to kindergarten, free bus service, and steep tax hikes—including a jump in the corporate tax from 7.25% to 11.5%, and a new 2% surcharge on incomes exceeding a million dollars a year. On public safety, he would divert funds away from the New York City Police Department to a new Department of Community Safety staffed by social workers and activists.
Read in full from Josh Hammer, Newsweek senior editor-at-large and host of The Josh Hammer Show.
Oct 31, 2025 at 10:45 AM EDT
Mamdani takes campaign to night shift workers in NYC
Zohran Mamdani visited LaGuardia Airport and Elmhurst Hospital on Thursday evening as he took his campaign to night shift workers in New York City.
"We often think about the work day as if it's 9-5 but there are so many New Yorkers who as we are heading home, they are heading to work," Mamdani said.
"These are the very New Yorkers who are overlooked by those who are serving in positions of power."
Mamdani also shared images of himself at the hospital, as he praised the "workers who care for us, no matter the hour."
Oct 31, 2025 at 10:00 AM EDT
Hochul fears Mamdani’s plans to tax New York’s richest will hurt the middle class
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said Friday that she feared Zohan Mamdani’s plan to tax the city's richest 1.5 percent would end up hurting the middle class.
Speaking on the “Raging Moderates” podcast, she said she was concerned that the wealthy would simply flee the state if Mamdani was elected and went through with his plans, leaving a huge hole in the state's budget.
“1.5% of New Yorkers cover about a third of our budget — that’s enormous. I’m concerned about out-migration of people of the ones who are supporting our budget,” she said. “I cannot make up for that with middle-class tax increases. I cannot do that to the middle class and the struggling New Yorkers.”
Hochul, who faced chants of "tax the rich" when she appeared at a rally for Mamdani recently, said that "one energetic rally does not get me to change my positions."
However, she said she did hear people's concerns.
“I do hear people’s voices, I process what everybody says, but I also have to balance governing this state and making sure that those people who are actually the reason we have a generous supportive budget that helps lift people up, it’s their revenues that we tax," she said.
Oct 31, 2025 at 08:47 AM EDT
NYC early voting nears 400K as momentum holds steady across boroughs
New York City’s early voting turnout shows steady momentum heading into the final weekend before Election Day. According to the Board of Elections, 398,477 voters have checked in through Day 6—up from 372,111 the previous day.
While the pace of growth has eased slightly since midweek, turnout remains strong across all five boroughs. Brooklyn continues to lead with over 126,000 voters, followed by Manhattan at nearly 119,000 and Queens above 91,000. The Bronx and Staten Island also saw modest but consistent increases.
The daily rise of about 26,000 ballots suggests participation is keeping pace rather than surging, a sign that the early voting wave may be stabilizing after initial enthusiasm.
Overall, early voting this year has already outpaced the city’s last mayoral election in 2021, indicating higher engagement and potentially stronger turnout citywide when polls close on Election Day.
Oct 31, 2025 at 07:46 AM EDT
Mike Johnson calls Mamdani a “Marxist threat”—but what’s the reality?
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson warned on X that if Democrat Zohran Mamdani wins New York City’s mayoral race, it would mark “the biggest victory for Marxists and socialists in American history.” Johnson accused Mamdani of calling to “defund police, abolish prisons, legalize prostitution,” and of attacking Jewish people and law enforcement.
Mamdani, a state assemblyman from Queens and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, identifies as a democratic socialist, not a Marxist. While he has used abolitionist language in the past—backing movements to “defund” the NYPD and rethink incarceration—his current campaign platform stops short of dismantling the city’s police or prison systems.
He has also supported legislation to decriminalize sex work, a move framed by supporters as a public-health reform rather than legalization. And though he has been sharply critical of Israel’s government, Mamdani rejects accusations of antisemitism.
If elected, Mamdani would become the first openly socialist mayor of New York City in nearly a century, a symbolic breakthrough for the left wing of the Democratic Party.
...
Oct 31, 2025 at 06:32 AM EDT
Fox News poll shows Cuomo gaining ground
A new Fox News poll released Thursday shows Democrat Zohran Mamdani maintaining a lead in the New York City mayoral race, though independent candidate Andrew Cuomo continues to narrow the gap just days before Election Day.
Among likely voters, Mamdani stands at 47 percent, with Cuomo close behind at 31 percent and Republican Curtis Sliwa at 15 percent. Mamdani’s support has held steady since September, but his enthusiasm advantage has narrowed—43 percent of likely voters say they are “extremely enthusiastic” about voting, unchanged from two weeks ago.
Cuomo has strengthened his position among independents and moderate Democrats, with 87 percent of his supporters saying they’re certain to back him—up nine points from mid-October. On key issues, voters trust Mamdani more to bring “needed change” (50 percent), while Cuomo leads on “competently running the city’s government” (40 percent).
The poll, conducted October 24–28 among 1,107 registered voters (margin of error ±3 percent), suggests a tightening race shaped by enthusiasm, turnout, and shifting allegiances. With early voting already underway and 79 percent of likely voters “certain” to cast a ballot, the final weekend could prove decisive in determining the city’s next mayor.
Oct 31, 2025 at 01:59 AM EDT
Mamdani warns on infrastructure after two drown in floods
The drowning of two people in New York after torrential rains hit the city causing widespread flooding on Thursday raises concern about the ability of infrastructure to cope as sudden heavy rain becomes normal, Zohran Mamdani said.
“I’m heartbroken to learn that two New Yorkers have drowned as a result of today’s torrential rain and flooding. Their families and loved ones are in my thoughts tonight,” Mamdani said in a post on X.
“This kind of sudden and intense rain has become the new normal - and our infrastructure isn’t prepared for it. We must do everything we can to prevent these tragedies,” he said.
ABC said police had confirmed that two people died in flooded basements.
The National Weather Service reports 1.80 inches of rain fell in Central Park on Thursday, breaking the previous record of 1.64 inches set in 1917. Records for Central Park date back to 1869, NYC Emergency Management said on X.
...
Oct 31, 2025 at 01:30 AM EDT
Mamdani ‘doesn’t understand New Yorkers’: Cuomo
Independent candidate for the New York City mayoral race, and former New York governor, Andrew Cuomo, claimed that rival Zohran Mamdani doesn't understand New Yorkers.
In a sit-down interview with ABC News, Cuomo was asked about his previous comments that Mamdani, a dual citizen of the U.S. and Uganda, doesn't understand "the New York culture, the New York values."
"You can be a New Yorker and not understand New Yorkers, right?" Cuomo elaborated on ABC News. "He has been very divisive through this campaign. He has said things that are highly inflammatory. And that's not the New York way.
"Because you have the diversity that we have [in New York], you have to be very careful as a leader, not to inflame division," he added.
Cuomo pointed to comments Mamdani had made in the past about the New York City Police Department, calling it "racist." Mamdani has since apologized for statements.
Oct 31, 2025 at 12:41 AM EDT
New York Orthodox rabbi rejects accusations against Mamdani
Orthodox New York Rabbi Dovid Feldman rejected accusations of antisemitism against Zohran Mamdani saying they were baseless and unjust.
“He is accused because of his brave stance of speaking out for justice and condemning the crimes of Israel or for not supporting Israel as pro-Israeli groups will desire,” Feldman said at a gathering with Orthodox Jewish supporters at City Hall.
Mamdani, who would be New York’s first Muslim mayor, has been a prominent critic of the Israeli government and its war in Gaza, drawing accusations of antisemitism, which he denies.
“We are here as Orthodox jews of New York to declare that these accusations are baseless, misleading and unjust,” Feldman said.
“Principled politicians should be admired for their courage. So do we admire Mr Mamdani for his strong stance…In no way can opposition to Israel be considered antisemitic.”
Mamdani’s main rival, independent Andrew Cuomo, has been gaining support among the Jewish community with a recent Quinnipiac University poll finding 60 percent of Jews would vote for Cuomo, and 16 percent for Mamdani.
“Recent intimidation against mayoral candidate #Zohran #Mamdani is baseless, misleading, and unjust,”
said Rabbi Dovid Feldman today at the press conference on the steps of #Cityhall in #NYC.The event was held to denounce false #Zionist accusations of #Antisemitism .… pic.twitter.com/RwSbRRJOjm
— Neturei Karta international (@NetureiKarta) October 31, 2025
Oct 31, 2025 at 12:30 AM EDT
Trump voters are leaving Curtis Sliwa
Some of President Donald Trump’s voters are leaving Republican New York City mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa for former Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, according to a new poll.
Newsweek has contacted the Sliwa and Cuomo campaigns for comment via email.
Most Trump voters are sticking with Sliwa, with 66 percent saying they would support the Republican candidate in next week’s election, according to the Emerson poll. But Cuomo, a former Democratic governor running as an independent, is winning over 32 percent of them. The poll found that less than 2 percent of Trump voters planned to vote for Mamdani.
Across all voters, Mamdani led with 50 percent, compared to Cuomo’s 25 percent and Sliwa’s 21 percent. An additional 5 percent said they were still undecided or planning to vote for other candidates.
The poll, which surveyed 640 likely voters between October 25 and October 27, had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.
Read in full from Andrew Stanton on Newsweek.
Oct 30, 2025 at 11:30 PM EDT
Top aide under Reagan, Bush administrations backs Mamdani for mayor
Bill Kristol, a neoconservative commentator and former Chief of Staff to the Vice President in the Bush administration, said Thursday that if he lived in New York City, he would vote for Zohran Mamdani.
Kristol, who was also chief of staff to education secretary William Bennett under Reagan, added that going back to former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo would be “ridiculous.”
"It was very disappointing," he told The Forum. "All these big shot, you know, finance types in New York, they couldn't get behind anyone except for Andrew Cuomo. It's really pathetic, in my opinion. So now they're rallying to Cuomo with some of them, but I don't have that much sympathy for that.
"And I also just think, practically speaking, New York is a huge city. He's not going to destroy it, I don't think. He’s gonna set up five silly government-run grocery stores, I guess. I don't think he even will do that [inaudible]. And so they'll be fine. So there'll be some grocery store somewhere and it won't be as good as the privately run ones, and it will go out of business in three years and it'll be a little bit of a waste of taxpayer money, you know? Or it'll be harmless, you know?
"And so people—I do think the right’s reaction to Mamdani has been a little hysterical. He's a very impressive politician. I don't know that he’s going to be a very good mayor. He's 33 years old, he's never run anything. They're good people who could work for him though, in New York."
Kristol previously broke with the Republican Party in 2016 over Donald Trump and co-founded The Bulwark in 2018m where he now serves as editor-at-large.
Oct 30, 2025 at 10:30 PM EDT
Real Housewives’ Jackie Goldschneider rebukes Zohran Mamdani: ‘Communist nepo baby’
Jackie Goldschneider from the Real Housewives of New Jersey and Ramona Singer from the Real Housewives of New York are coming out against Zohran Mamdani ahead of Tuesday’s election in New York City.
On October 20, Goldschneider posted a photo on Instagram in a “shalom” sweatshirt. She captioned the photo that she wished everyone a “big shalom” except Mamdani.
“Who, in the words of Dave Portnoy, ‘Is a communist nepo baby who had never had a job in his life, hates America, hates the police and is pro terrorist,’” Goldschneider wrote.
In July, Portnoy told Fox News that it’s a “very scary time” and he can’t believe Mamdani is going to be the next mayor of New York City. While Mamdani calls himself a democratic socialist, Portnoy said he’s “closer to a communist” and someone who “hates capitalism.”
“He wants a fundamental shift in what has built this country, and he doesn’t particularly hide it,” Portnoy said.
Goldschneider, who lives in New Jersey, can’t vote in the New York City election, but she said she “deeply” cares about the city’s future because of her ties to it. Goldschneider’s father grew up in the projects in Brooklyn and her mother moved in with her relatives in Brooklyn when her family came to the United States from Israel, Goldschneider told the Daily Dish in 2020.
Oct 30, 2025 at 09:30 PM EDT
WATCH: Curtis Sliwa on why he won’t drop out
Oct 30, 2025 at 08:30 PM EDT
Curtis Sliwa says Mamdani is ‘threat’ to NYC, still won’t drop out
Curtis Sliwa says he isn’t going anywhere.
Despite growing calls from within his own party to step aside in the final days of New York City’s mayoral race, with early voting already underway, the Republican nominee told Newsweek's new video podcast, The 1600, that he remains committed to seeing his campaign through.
“I’m the only one standing between Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo,” Sliwa said. “If you ever figure that out by now, you’ll never figure it out.”
Sliwa, who previously lost to Eric Adams in the 2021 mayoral contest by 40 points and is currently polling in a distant third, argued New Yorkers deserve more than a binary choice between the Democratic Socialist frontrunner and the disgraced former governor. He cast Mamdani as a dangerous experiment and Cuomo as an entitled insider with a failing message.
Read in full from Jesus Mesa on Newsweek.
Oct 30, 2025 at 07:36 PM EDT
Mamdani’s ‘fast and free’ bus plan faces practical questions
Zohran Mamdani’s campaign promise to make New York City buses “fast and free” has energized many voters, but transit experts say the two goals may not be fully compatible. While the slogan suggests a unified solution, analysts warn that eliminating fares could increase ridership and slow service without major infrastructure upgrades.
To test the proposal’s feasibility, reporters rode the B41 bus in Brooklyn—one of the city’s busiest routes—and observed delays tied to boarding times, traffic congestion, and stop frequency. Transportation officials noted that fare-free systems often require additional investment in bus lanes, signal priority, and fleet expansion to maintain speed.
Oct 30, 2025 at 06:34 PM EDT
Muslim leaders endorse Cuomo at Harlem event, citing past support
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo received a boost in his mayoral campaign Thursday as a group of Muslim leaders and imams publicly endorsed him during an event at a Harlem senior center. The gathering, also attended by Mayor Eric Adams, focused on Cuomo’s record of engagement with Muslim communities during his time in office.
Speakers praised Cuomo’s experience and longstanding ties to faith-based groups, emphasizing his past efforts to support religious inclusion and community development. The endorsement comes as Cuomo seeks to broaden his coalition in the final stretch of the race.
Oct 30, 2025 at 05:28 PM EDT
Mamdani connects with seniors at Brooklyn event, gains new support
At a recent “paint and pour” gathering at a Brooklyn senior center, mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani made inroads with older voters—a demographic he has faced skepticism from. Councilwoman Crystal Hudson, who attended the event, said it was a valuable moment for residents to see Mamdani’s local support and engage with him directly.
Ann Maldonado, 74, said she hadn’t planned to vote for Mamdani until hearing him speak. “After today, I changed my mind,” she said, citing his focus on housing and transportation. As jazz played in the background, Maldonado added, “He sounds as though he’s sincere. We love that.”
The event highlighted Mamdani’s efforts to broaden his appeal beyond his younger base as the race enters its final stretch.
Oct 30, 2025 at 04:22 PM EDT
Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld back Cuomo in NYC mayoral race
While most celebrity endorsements in New York City's mayoral race have favored Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo highlighted a notable exception this week. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his wife Jessica Seinfeld appeared in an Instagram post shared by Cuomo, posing with early-voting stickers and praising their polling experience as “spa-like.”
Campaign finance records show Jessica Seinfeld contributed $1,000 to Cuomo’s campaign. The endorsement adds a touch of star power to Cuomo’s bid as he trails Mamdani in the polls and seeks to broaden his appeal among voters.
Oct 30, 2025 at 03:49 PM EDT
Conservative commentator William Kristol backs Mamdani over Cuomo
In an unexpected endorsement, conservative political analyst and longtime critic of Donald Trump, William Kristol, has backed Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. Speaking to a college newspaper in California, Kristol said that if he lived in New York City, he would vote for Mamdani, dismissing the idea of returning Andrew Cuomo to office as “ridiculous.”
While acknowledging that Mamdani might face challenges managing the city, Kristol praised the candidate’s campaign for energizing new voters. He also criticized New York’s financial elite for rallying behind Cuomo, calling their lack of broader political imagination “pathetic.”
Kristol’s comments highlight the unusual coalitions forming in the city’s high-stakes mayoral race, where ideological lines are being redrawn amid shifting voter priorities.
Oct 30, 2025 at 02:35 PM EDT
NYC mayoral race sees strange twist as ‘Bill DeBlasio’ sparks confusion
The New York City mayoral race took an unusual turn Thursday when a man named Bill DeBlasio claimed credit for supplying quotes to The Times of London critical of Democratic frontrunner Zohran Mamdani.
Despite the name, he is not former Mayor Bill de Blasio—nor is he officially impersonating him.
Oct 30, 2025 at 02:18 PM EDT
Billionaire former mayor Michael Bloomberg endorses Cuomo
Billionaire former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg endorsed Andrew Cuomo’s independent bid for mayor on Wednesday.
“Being Mayor of New York City is the second toughest job in America, and the next mayor will face immense challenges. Andrew Cuomo has the experience and toughness to stand up for New Yorkers and get things done,” Bloomberg wrote on Instagram.
Bloomberg first endorsed Cuomo four months ago in his failed primary attempt, and reportedly spent millions backing the former governor's bid.
"Four months ago I endorsed @AndrewCuomo because I thought his management experience and government know-how made him the best choice for New Yorkers. I still do. And today, with early voting underway, I wanted to reiterate my support for Andrew Cuomo," Bloomberg added.
Meanwhile, Mamdani received an endorsement from the United Bodega Workers of America on Wednesday.
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Oct 30, 2025 at 01:39 PM EDT
Zohran Mamdani’s chances of winning a landslide in New York election
Zohran Mamdani continues to be the frontrunner in New York’s mayoral race, with polling suggesting he could be headed toward a commanding victory.
Betting platform Polymarket shows that Mamdani currently has a 44 percent chance of winning 50 to 60 percent of the vote. If such a result occurs, Mamdani could be in store for a landslide victory over his main opponent, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
But polls show that while a double-digit victory is on the cards for Mamdani, a landslide is less likely.
Read in full from Martha McHardy on Newsweek.
Oct 30, 2025 at 01:39 PM EDT
Poll analysis: Mamdani holds strong lead in NYC mayoral polls as Sliwa and Cuomo split opposition
Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani leads the New York City mayoral race by 16 points over independent Andrew Cuomo, according to a Marist Poll of likely voters. Republican Curtis Sliwa trails in third place, drawing 16% support.
The poll suggests Mamdani’s advantage narrows to seven points in a hypothetical two-way race against Cuomo if Sliwa were to exit. Without Cuomo in the contest, Mamdani’s lead over Sliwa expands to 26 points.
Mamdani commands strong support among Democrats and younger voters, while Cuomo and Sliwa compete for older and non-enrolled voters. Favorability ratings also favor Mamdani, with a majority of likely voters viewing him positively. Cuomo’s ratings are underwater, and Sliwa remains polarizing.
With early voting underway and Election Day approaching, turnout trends and candidate positioning remain fluid. Over 60% of voters say the city is headed in the wrong direction, underscoring the stakes of the November 4 election.
Oct 30, 2025 at 12:42 PM EDT
Older voters lead early turnout in NYC mayoral race, but youth surge looms
Halfway through early voting in New York City's pivotal mayoral election, voters aged 55 and older have cast a slim majority of ballots, according to Board of Elections data. As of Wednesday night, roughly 189,000 of the 372,111 early votes came from older residents, making up about 51% of the total.
The race features Democratic frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, independent Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Analysts say the older turnout could benefit Cuomo, who polls better with that demographic—but caution that Sliwa also performs well among older voters, potentially splitting support.
Meanwhile, younger voters are beginning to mobilize. On Wednesday, those under 55 outpaced older voters at the polls, with the 25–34 age group surpassing the 55–64 bracket for the first time this cycle. Mamdani, who won the Democratic primary by double digits, has built strong momentum among younger New Yorkers through a progressive, affordability-focused campaign.
With early voting continuing through Sunday and Election Day approaching, experts say turnout trends remain fluid—and decisive.
Oct 30, 2025 at 11:29 AM EDT
Cuomo slams Mamdani over Columbus statue in bid to court Staten Island voters
Andrew Cuomo intensified his campaign efforts on Staten Island on Wednesday, criticizing Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani over a resurfaced 2020 photo showing Mamdani making a rude gesture toward a Christopher Columbus statue. Speaking at an Italian cultural center, Cuomo called Mamdani’s stance on Columbus “reprehensible” and “immature,” arguing it disrespects Italian American heritage.
Cuomo accused Mamdani of being divisive and out of touch, citing past criticisms of various communities and law enforcement. He also dismissed concerns about his own wealth while attacking Mamdani’s legislative record and experience.
The visit comes as Cuomo seeks to peel off support from Republican stronghold Staten Island, where Curtis Sliwa remains popular. Despite Cuomo’s appeal to ethnic pride, some residents voiced skepticism, citing his pandemic record and past controversies.
Oct 30, 2025 at 10:31 AM EDT
Rep. Mike Lawler calls Cuomo ‘lesser of two evils’ in NYC mayoral race
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) weighed in on the New York City mayoral contest Wednesday, framing the race as a difficult choice for voters. Speaking on WABC radio’s Sid & Friends In The Morning, Lawler described former Governor Andrew Cuomo as the “lesser of two evils” when compared to Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani.
“This is a choice for New Yorkers,” Lawler said. “And, ultimately, they have to choose between the lesser of two evils. And in this instance, between Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo, it’s not even close.”
Cuomo, running as an independent, has drawn support from moderate Democrats and some Republicans in the final stretch of the race. Mamdani, who defeated Cuomo in the Democratic primary, continues to lead in multiple polls ahead of Tuesday’s election.
Oct 30, 2025 at 09:28 AM EDT
Mamdani stays ahead over Cuomo in final NYC mayoral polls
Three new polls show Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani holding a consistent lead over former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the final stretch of New York City's mayoral race. The margins vary from a narrow 10-point edge to a commanding 25-point advantage.
A Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday shows Mamdani ahead 43% to Cuomo’s 33%, with Republican Curtis Sliwa at 14%. Emerson College’s latest survey puts Mamdani at 50%, Cuomo at 25%, and Sliwa at 21%, marking a 25-point gap. A third poll from Marist College finds Mamdani leading by 16 points, with 48% support to Cuomo’s 32%.
Mamdani’s support has surged among Black and younger voters, while Cuomo’s favorability has declined. Despite endorsements from Mayor Eric Adams and moderate Democrats, Cuomo has struggled to consolidate the anti-Mamdani vote, which remains split between Cuomo and Sliwa.
All three polls suggest Mamdani is poised to win Tuesday’s election to succeed Adams, who opted not to seek reelection.
Oct 30, 2025 at 08:32 AM EDT
Zohran Mamdani holds 25-point lead over Cuomo in another NYC mayoral poll
With less than a week until Election Day, New York State Assembly member Zohran Mamdani (D) leads the New York City mayoral race by a commanding 25 points over former Governor Andrew Cuomo (D), according to a new Emerson College Polling/PIX11/The Hill survey. Mamdani secures 50 percent support, followed by Cuomo at 25 percent and Republican Curtis Sliwa at 21 percent. Four percent of voters remain undecided.
When undecided voters are allocated, Mamdani’s support rises to 51 percent, while Cuomo edges up to 26 percent. Sliwa’s backing remains unchanged. The poll reflects a growing lead for Mamdani, who held a 15-point advantage over Cuomo in September. Sliwa has also gained ground, doubling his support from 10 percent last month.
Mamdani’s surge is driven by strong support among Black voters—rising from 50 to 71 percent—and younger voters, with 69 percent of those under 50 backing him. Cuomo’s support has dipped slightly since September, while Sliwa has gained traction among older voters.
The poll, conducted October 25–27 among 640 likely voters, carries a margin of error of ±3.8 percentage points. Mamdani is widely expected to win Tuesday’s election to replace outgoing Mayor Eric Adams.
Oct 30, 2025 at 07:23 AM EDT
Zohran Mamdani leads NYC mayoral race, Cuomo trails by 10 points in poll
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New York State Assembly member Zohran Mamdani (D) holds a 10-point lead over former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the race to succeed outgoing Mayor Eric Adams, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll. Mamdani leads with 43 percent support among likely voters, followed by Cuomo at 33 percent and Republican Curtis Sliwa at 14 percent. Six percent of respondents remain undecided.
The poll, conducted from October 23 to 27, reflects a consistent trend in Mamdani’s favor. A previous Quinnipiac survey earlier this month showed Mamdani at 46 percent, Cuomo steady at 33 percent, and Sliwa at 15 percent. Decision Desk HQ’s polling average places Mamdani at 45 percent, Cuomo at 31 percent, and Sliwa at 16 percent.
Adams, who announced he would not seek reelection, endorsed Cuomo last week. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) also backed Cuomo, signaling a push from moderates and independents to consolidate support. Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) recently endorsed Mamdani, though Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has withheld support.
The poll surveyed 911 likely voters and carries a margin of error of 4 percentage points.
Oct 29, 2025 at 11:30 PM EDT
Cuomo, Adams meets with leadership of Hasidic Jewish factions in Brooklyn
Independent New York City mayoral Andrew Cuomo, accompanied by current Mayor Eric Adams, met with the leadership of Satmar Hasidic Jew factions in Brooklyn on Wednesday, with just days left before the election.
Photos of the meeting show Cuomo, the former New York governor, shaking hands with a member of the leadership in Williamsburg, as he "made the case to earn their support," according to reporter Jacob Kornbluh.
Cuomo has been gaining support among the Jewish community with a recent Quinnipiac University poll finding that, if the election was held today, 60 percent of Jews would vote for Cuomo, and 16 percent for Mamdani.
Oct 29, 2025 at 10:30 PM EDT
OPINION: Mamdani’s rise represents a rejection of fear
In the final stretch of New York City’s mayoral race, the attacks against Zohran Mamdani have crossed a line—not just politically, but morally. What began as disagreement over policy has hardened into something older, more familiar and more dangerous: the suggestion that a Muslim cannot be trusted to lead the most diverse city in the United States.
The rhetoric has not been subtle. Former governor Andrew Cuomo recently laughed and agreed when a radio host suggested Mamdani would cheer another 9/11. Mayor Eric Adams warned that New York “cannot afford to become Europe"—language that has long functioned as political shorthand for demographic anxiety. Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa claimed during a televised debate that Mamdani supports “global jihad.” Political action committees have circulated push polls falsely suggesting Mamdani intends to make halal mandatory, and attack ads have darkened and elongated his beard to evoke the visual coding of menace. Conservative commentator Larry Elder circulated a cartoon depicting a plane labeled “Mamdani” flying toward the New York skyline—an unmistakable reference to 9/11. Even the way Mamdani eats has been mocked.
Read in full from Faisal Kutty on Newsweek.
Oct 29, 2025 at 09:30 PM EDT
Mamdani win could be significant boost for fellow progressive AOC’s potential senate run
Democratic strategist Joel Payne believes a victory for Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani in the New York mayoral race could give Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's (AOC) potential New York Senate run, or even possible presidential bid in 2028, a significant boost.
“At the stage we’re in right now where Democrats are trying to rebuild the party, you need proof of concept, and for someone like AOC … if she can show that Mamdani is successful not only as a candidate but in governing, that’s a real benefit to her,” Payne told The Hill.
“People want to demonstrate that their ideas can work at scale. If someone like Mamdani has success and you were part of that, that’s good proof of concept for you,” Payne added.
Ocasio-Cortez, a progressive, was among the first to give Mamdani her backing before the Democratic primary in June, and has been one of his strongest advocates.
Oct 29, 2025 at 09:04 PM EDT
New York assemblyman Vanel throws support behind Mamdani
New York assemblyman Clyde Vanel is backing Zohram Mamdani for mayor, who he said "has a deep commitment to affordability and opportunity for all."
"I’ve worked alongside @ZohranKMamdani in the Assembly and have seen his deep commitment to affordability and opportunity for all firsthand. He listens, he builds coalitions, and he never forgets who he’s fighting for," Vanel said in a post on X on Wednesday.
Oct 29, 2025 at 06:45 PM EDT
Zohran Mamdani delivers warning to Donald Trump
Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani has warned U.S. President Donald Trump that he will “be there to fight him” if he “comes after” New York.
Asked what his message to Trump would be in an interview, Mamdani said: “My message would be that if you ever want to get on the phone to talk about how we can actually deliver on the promise that you made to the American people of lowering the cost of living, I’m always ready. “But if you want to speak about how you can make life more difficult for New Yorkers, by coming after so many in this city and the fabric of the city itself, then I’ll be there to fight you.” Newsweek has contacted the White House, via email, for comment.
Mamdani delivered his warning in an interview with The Good Liars, a political satirical duo made up of Jason Selvig and Davram Stiefler. “A lot of people keep saying you’re a communist,” Selvig said. “Can we put this to bed right now? Are you a communist?”
“Not a communist,” Mamdani answered, “I’m a democratic socialist, but I anticipate that the president will continue to call me whatever comes to his mind.” The Good Liars clip then cuts to a snippet of Trump saying: “I call him my little communist.”
Oct 29, 2025 at 06:15 PM EDT
Jon Stewart says Mamdani is having a ‘bit of a Jackie Robinson moment’
The Daily Show host Jon Stewart compared Zohran Mamdani to baseball legend Jackie Robinson, when the New York City mayoral candidate appeared on his show Tuesday.
"Honestly, I think any New Yorker who looks at someone getting an opportunity — who’s representing communities that have not been as represented — a Muslim, a young person, a progressive, a democratic socialist, there are so many different communities that are looking to you," Stewart said.
"And this — I hate to put it on you — is a bit of a Jackie Robinson moment. And I know that probably wields some weight. But man, oh man, what an exciting opportunity."
Oct 29, 2025 at 05:15 PM EDT
New York Democrat endorses Cuomo over Mamdani 6 days before election
New York Democratic Representative Tom Suozzi has endorsed former New York Governor and independent candidate for New York City mayor Andrew Cuomo over Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani.
Newsweek reached out to Mamdani's campaign via email on Wednesday for comment.
Taking to X, Suozzi said, "I’m a Democratic Capitalist, not a Democratic Socialist. I endorse Andrew Cuomo. I can not back a declared socialist with a thin resume to run the most complex city in America. We need leaders who will fight crime, not undermine the police. Who will create jobs, not harm the economy. Who will keep taxes down, not make it more expensive for middle class families to live here."
Cuomo reacted to the endorsement on X, saying, "Thank you for the endorsement, @Tom_Suozzi — together we can save the city. Get out and vote, NY!!!!"
Last month, Suozzi announced he would not be backing Mamdani but did not go as far as to formally back Cuomo. Suozzi has said he disagrees with socialist ideas but does share Mamdani's concern about the city's affordability issue
Oct 29, 2025 at 04:59 PM EDT
Mamdani’s chances of winning amid slight uptick in undecided voters: Poll
A new poll from Quinnipiac University shows the outlook six days ahead of the New York City mayoral race, with Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani leading amid an uptick in undecided voters.
The poll released on Wednesday, shows Mamdani has 43 percent of the vote among likely voters. Cuomo has 33 percent, and Sliwa has 14 percent. Six percent are undecided, and 3 percent refused to respond. It surveyed 911 likely New York City voters from October 23 to October 27 with a 4 percent margin of error.
In an earlier poll, Mamdani had 46 percent of the vote compared to Cuomo's 33 percent and Sliwa's 15 percent. Three percent were undecided, and 2 percent refused to respond. The poll surveyed 1,015 likely New York City voters from October 3 to October 7 and had a 3.9 percent margin of error.
"The candidates have made their case, early voting is underway, Zohran Mamdani has a 10-point lead over Andrew Cuomo with Curtis Sliwa a distant third, but one wildcard remains," Quinnipiac University Poll Assistant Director Mary Snow said regarding Wednesday's results. "The percentage of likely voters not weighing in has increased a bit since earlier this month, suggesting there's room for movement in the final stretch."
Read in full from Anna Commander on Newsweek.
Oct 29, 2025 at 04:00 PM EDT
Zohran Mamdani vs. Andrew Cuomo: Latest Polls in NYC Mayoral Election
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has not led in the polls since losing the Democratic primary in late June.
Polls in October have given the party’s nominee Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani a double-digit lead, consistent with most polling since July, though several polls show the race tightening.
A Suffolk University poll released on Monday put Mamdani at 44 percent and Cuomo at 34 percent, with Cuomo cutting his rival’s lead in half from Suffolk’s September poll, where the Democrat was at 45 percent and the independent on 25 percent.
A poll from the Manhattan Institute, also released Monday, gave Mamdani a 15-point lead, 46 percent to Cuomo’s 31 percent.
Polling by Quinnipiac earlier in October showed an increase in support for Cuomo, when compared with its September survey: 33 percent up from 23 percent. However, Mamdani’s support remained steady: 45 percent in September versus 46 percent in October.
Meanwhile, a Victory Insights poll published last week put Mamdani 18 points ahead of Cuomo, 47 percent to 29 percent.
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Oct 29, 2025 at 03:21 PM EDT
When Did Early Voting Begin in New York City’s Mayoral Election?
Early voting for the 2025 New York City mayoral election began on Saturday, October 25, 2025, and runs through Sunday, November 2, 2025, ahead of Election Day on Tuesday, November 4.
On the first day alone, about 79,409 ballots were cast across all five boroughs—roughly five times the number from the same day in 2021.
After the opening weekend, citywide totals soared past 165,190 votes in just two days, again about five-times the 2021 pace.
The dramatic surge suggests strong voter engagement early on, perhaps driven by the high-profile nature of the race.
The large turnout has also been flagged as potentially good news for Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani—his campaign is built on mobilising voters who might have skipped past cycles.
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