News Summary
A significant rally in Queens attracted around 13,000 attendees supporting Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. Prominent figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders spoke on key voter issues. Amid rising early voting numbers, Mamdani’s campaign focuses on universal childcare and the diversity of New York City. The event illustrated the growing engagement of young voters, with varied opinions on other candidates, while also addressing concerns about safety and affordability.
Queens hosted a significant rally on October 26, 2023, as approximately 13,000 people gathered at the Forest Hills stadium to support Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani just over a week before the New York City mayoral election set for November 4. The event, dubbed “NYC is Not For Sale,” drew prominent speakers, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, and was marked by a mixture of unity, optimism, and frustration, particularly among younger voters, especially from the Gen Z demographic.
Early voting for the mayoral election has commenced, showing a strong turnout exceeding 164,000 votes as of the weekend, surpassing levels seen during the last four years. The rally highlighted key issues for voters, with Mamdani emphasizing universal childcare and celebrating the diversity that New York City boasts as its greatest strength.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who publicly endorsed Mamdani, faced a mixed reception, including chants of “Tax the rich!” during her speech, indicating varied opinions within the audience. Mamdani, during his address, criticized former Governor Andrew Cuomo, suggesting he needed to hear the message of the rally from his luxury residence.
The event attracted a diverse crowd, representing the demographics of New York City, with attendees voicing concerns about safety, affordability, and LGBTQ rights. Sanders reinforced the significance of electing Mamdani in order to diminish the overpowering influence of billionaires in the political landscape. The enthusiasm for Ocasio-Cortez was notably higher than the more subdued energy surrounding Hochul’s remarks.
Supporters highlighted Mamdani’s campaign as pivotal, praising his perceived authenticity compared to other candidates. In contrast, Cuomo, competing as an Independent, labeled Mamdani a divider and extremist, making reference to alleged links with extremist groups. Despite these criticisms, polls indicate that Mamdani enjoys robust support among voters, including over a third of the Jewish electorate, despite Cuomo’s pointed comments regarding Mamdani’s stance on Israel.
In addition, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa made appearances across various neighborhoods in Queens, positioning himself as a “law and order” candidate while critiquing both Mamdani and Cuomo’s political positions. The early voting phase is ongoing until November 2, leading up to Election Day on November 4.
This rally represents not only a major event in the current electoral season but also an indication of the rising engagement among young voters in New York City. Each candidate is focused on presenting their vision for the city, while polls and rallies like this one play a critical role in shaping voter sentiment leading to election day.
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Additional Resources
- The Guardian: Zohran Mamdani Final Rally NYC Mayoral Election
- Fox 5 NY: NYC Mayor Polls
- ABC7: Vote 2025 Updates
- Indian Express: NYC Mayoral Election 2025 Guide
- NBC New York: NYC Mayoral Candidates Focus on Queens
- Wikipedia: New York City Mayoral Election 2025
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
