News Summary
As New York City’s November elections approach, several mayoral candidates, including Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo, faced criticism for not attending a forum tailored for the Latino community. The absence raises concerns among community leaders as Latinos represent a growing voter demographic. Recent polls indicate Mamdani has significant support, while issues such as affordable housing remain pressing. Organizers emphasized the need for candidates to engage with Latino constituents to address their unique challenges and concerns.
New York City mayoral candidates are facing scrutiny for their absence at a recent forum aimed at addressing the concerns of the Latino community as the November elections draw nearer. Key figures in the race, including Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa, did not attend the event organized by Agenda Latina NYC. The forum, designed specifically for Latino business owners and advocates, served as a crucial platform for discussing pressing issues within the community.
The absence of several candidates has raised eyebrows among community leaders and advocates who view Latino support as integral to success in the upcoming elections. Recent polling indicates that Latinos are projected to make up around 15% of eligible voters in New York City, underscoring the importance of engaging with this demographic.
A poll conducted by the Hispanic Federation surveyed 600 Latino voters in the city, revealing that Mamdani is currently garnering 48% support overall. Additionally, an overwhelming 90% of Latino voters expressed their support for increasing affordable housing in New York City. Community advocate Frank Garcia from the National Association of Latino State Chambers emphasized that the participation of all candidates is critical for understanding and addressing the needs of Latino constituents.
Organizers of the forum confirmed that invitations were extended to Mamdani and Cuomo; however, Curtis Sliwa mentioned that he did not receive an invitation to attend the event. Attendee Ana Prince, a local restaurant owner, highlighted the necessity for the next mayor to assist small business owners in coping with rising costs and tariffs—a concern that resonates deeply within the Latino business community.
Diving into issues affecting the community, Mamdani pointed out that Latinos currently experience the highest levels of housing insecurity in the city, affecting over 55% of individuals. He proposed initiatives such as delivering a rent freeze for more than a million Latinos and constructing adequate housing units. On the other hand, Cuomo, who is running as an independent candidate, announced plans for ambitious housing initiatives aimed at adding 50,000 new units annually to help Latino families. Sliwa suggested utilizing frozen apartments as a stopgap measure to alleviate housing shortages.
As the general election approaches on November 4, 2025, the political landscape shows that in previous elections, candidates like former President Donald Trump saw an increase in Latino support, especially in areas such as Queens. However, it remains important to note that the majority of Latino voters in New York City register as Democrats. Current trends indicate a troubling decline in Latino voter registration—down 57% in new registrants compared to the previous election cycle. This disenfranchisement emphasizes ongoing voter dissatisfaction with the political engagement from both major parties.
Concerns about generational differences within the Latino electorate have also emerged. Poll results indicate that younger voters tend to favor Mamdani, while older voters show signs of reluctance to engage with the current candidates. Crime, the high cost of living, and housing remain prominent issues for voters as the election date looms. Given the recurring pattern of disappointment among Latino communities regarding political engagement, the candidates’ responses to these issues will be pivotal in shaping the electoral dynamics.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News: NYC Mayor’s Race
- City & State NY: Latinos in NYC
- New York Times: Republican Redistricting and Latinos
- Politico: Democratic Socialists and Latino Voters
- NY Daily News: Mamdani’s Support among NYC Latinos
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
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