New Yorkers are expected to make history by electing Zohran Mamdani, a self-described socialist, as mayor on Tuesday. Leading by seven points at 41% in the latest AtlasIntel poll, Mamdani’s potential victory signals a major shift in the city’s political landscape and could heighten tensions with former President Donald Trump, who has threatened to withhold federal funding.
Mamdani, 34, focused his campaign on lowering the cost of living for ordinary New Yorkers. He trails Andrew Cuomo at 34%, while Republican Curtis Sliwa, known for founding the Guardian Angels, stands at 24%. Sliwa’s support could influence the final outcome if his voters swing toward Cuomo.
Early voting broke records with over 735,000 ballots cast, and the polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday. The current mayor, Eric Adams, did not run for reelection and endorsed Cuomo.
Mamdani has been actively campaigning, even visiting nightclubs over Halloween while maintaining his formal appearance. If elected, he would become New York City’s first Muslim mayor. His campaign has drawn criticism from far-right Republicans for a video message he released in Arabic.
The election has largely focused on issues like affordability, crime, and managing the city’s relationship with Trump. Syracuse University political analyst Grant Reeher predicts that a Mamdani win could lead to a political showdown with the former president.
Meanwhile, off-year gubernatorial elections in New Jersey and Virginia are being closely watched as indicators of the national political climate. Democratic candidates Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger face tight races against Trump-backed Republicans Jack Ciattarelli and Winsome Earle-Sears, respectively. Both Obama and Trump have been actively campaigning for their candidates in these key battleground states.
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