News Summary
As New York City’s mayoral election approaches, candidates Curtis Sliwa, Zohran Mamdani, and Andrew Cuomo are ramping up their campaigns. Sliwa warns of the implications should Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, win, while Cuomo remains in the race as a third-party candidate following his primary loss. With rising crime rates and voter concerns over housing and public safety, the dynamics of this election could have lasting effects well beyond the city.
New York City is witnessing an intensifying mayoral race as candidates Curtis Sliwa, Zohran Mamdani, and Andrew Cuomo enter the final stretch leading up to the election. With key debates shaping the discourse around the future of the city, the outcome is poised to affect not only New Yorkers but potentially cities across the country.
Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa is emphasizing the significance of this election, positing that if Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, secures a win, it could inspire other young democratic socialists to seek positions in local governments nationwide. Sliwa’s platform highlights a staunch criticism of Mamdani, who recently defeated Cuomo in the Democratic primary, claiming that his policies and affiliations are detrimental to New York City. He also attributes rising crime rates to Cuomo’s governance, particularly criticizing changes in laws regarding cash bail.
As the race heats up, Sliwa is attempting to distinguish himself from both Mamdani and Cuomo, whom he refers to as “Zohran lite.” In his view, his candidacy represents a critical barrier between the policies of Mamdani and Cuomo. It has been two decades since a Republican has won a mayoral election in New York City, but Sliwa asserts that this year offers a unique opportunity for change.
The dynamics of the election are complicated by Cuomo’s decision to remain in the race despite his loss in the Democratic primary, launching a campaign on a third-party ticket. His team claims that Sliwa’s entry into the race could ultimately split the vote, hindering anti-Mamdani sentiments. Recent polling from Quinnipiac University illustrates that Mamdani is currently leading the race with 46% support, followed by Cuomo at 33% and Sliwa trailing at 15%. This poll was conducted after incumbent Mayor Eric Adams withdrew from the race.
Attention has also turned towards Sliwa’s campaign as it garners interest from prominent figures such as former President Trump. Trump’s remarks have positioned Mamdani as a “communist” and indicated potential cuts to federal funding should Mamdani take office. Sliwa’s response has been to call for Trump to redirect focus onto larger international issues rather than local elections. Furthermore, the Trump administration has accused the city’s leadership of failing to cooperate on immigration policies, which has led to freezes on local project funding.
With the election drawing closer, Sliwa has expressed concern over the implications of federal budget cuts on vulnerable populations, indicating the significant stakes involved for community support. Known for wearing his distinctive red beret as part of his association with the Guardian Angels organization, he has signaled a willingness to set aside this emblem in pursuit of broader voter support.
Voter sentiment is also being influenced by various ballot proposals on housing and infrastructure, with Mamdani enjoying notable support among voters identifying as Democrats, younger populations, and Asian Americans. In contrast, Cuomo seems to attract backing from Jewish voters. Polling indicates that Mamdani’s supporters exhibit a higher enthusiasm level compared to those favoring Sliwa or Cuomo.
Key concerns among voters include lowering housing costs, management of public schools, and public safety—areas where the candidates exhibit varying degrees of appeal to the electorate. Additionally, disparities in opinion on international matters, particularly surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict, may further influence voter decisions as the election unfolds.
The Quinnipiac poll, which surveyed 1,015 likely voters, reports a margin of error of ±3.9%. Notably, Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase has expressed readiness to support Mamdani if he becomes mayor, marking a shift in his previously skeptical stance toward the candidate.
As New York City prepares for this pivotal race, the implications of the candidates’ policies and leadership styles present a critical consideration for voters seeking to shape the future of their city.
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: 2025 New York City mayoral election
- CBS News
- Google Search: 2025 New York City mayoral election
- Fox 5 NY
- Google Scholar: NYC mayoral race 2025
- CNN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New York City mayoral election
- NBC New York
- Google News: New York City mayoral race 2025

Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
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