The nation’s largest city is choosing its next mayor in a race widely viewed as a test of New York’s political identity, and a reflection of the broader ideological battles shaping American politics.
Thirty-four-year-old Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic state assembly member and self-described democratic socialist, is facing off against former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent. Republican Curtis Sliwa trails far behind in most polls.
Mamdani’s supporters see him as a voice for working families, renters, and immigrants struggling to make ends meet in one of the world’s most expensive cities.
“Affordability, safety, making New York feel like home — it’s really important that we have a mayor who represents all types of New Yorkers,” said Gregory Jones, a 36-year-old voter from Queens.
But not everyone agrees. Critics warn that Mamdani’s platform could push the city too far to the left.
“A lot of the issues he raises are valid — but the solutions are wrong,” said Victor, a 32-year-old Manhattan voter.
“If New York elects a socialist mayor, Democrats nationally have no chance of regaining power — and that would be bad for the country.”
The race took a dramatic turn late Monday when President Donald Trump endorsed Cuomo, urging supporters to back the former governor and warning he could cut federal funds to the city if Mamdani wins.
Cuomo quickly responded to the endorsement.
“The president is nothing if not pragmatic,” Cuomo said. “Curtis Sliwa can’t win — and a vote for him only helps Mamdani. My record with President Trump is clear: no one fought harder for New York than I did.”
Mamdani, in turn, fired back defiantly.
“I will not be intimidated by this president or anyone else,” he said. “My job is to serve the people of this city — and to fight for them using every tool I have.”
Early voting has been strong, with more than 735,000 ballots already cast — nearly four times the turnout seen at this point in 2021.
Whoever wins will inherit a city deeply divided over affordability, safety, and the rising cost of living.
Polls in New York City close at 9 p.m. Eastern Time on Election Day.
Pakistan and Oman called for restraint and diplomacy on Wednesday as they discussed the U.S.-Iran conflict, Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and thre...
Yemen’s Houthis have claimed responsibility for the recent drone and missile strikes on Saudi Aramco facilities in Dhahran and Riyadh and at ...
Ukraine's soldiers have had their access to Starlink satellite internet restricted. Kyiv's troops use the terminals, made by Elon Musk...
The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said late Monday that it intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi group toward Khamis Mushait in southwestern Saudi Arabia.
Yemen’s Houthis have claimed responsibility for the recent drone and missile strikes on Saudi Aramco facilities in Dhahran and Riyadh and at King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia, vowing to carry out more attacks in the coming days.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia hit at least six energy targets in deadly strikes across Ukraine, showing Moscow is unwilling to accept the energy ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Thousands of young Georgians leave the country each year in search of better economic opportunities, with many moving west. As questions grow over Georgia’s European path, AnewZ spoke to people who have emigrated about what it would take for them to return.
Ukraine's soldiers have had their access to Starlink satellite internet restricted. Kyiv's troops use the terminals, made by Elon Musk's SpaceX, to pilot drones. A source in Ukraine's Defence Ministry said the restrictions would make it harder for Kyiv's army to down Russian drones.
Ukraine's soldiers have had their access to Starlink satellite internet restricted. Kyiv's troops use the terminals, made by Elon Musk's SpaceX, to pilot drones. A source in Ukraine's Defence Ministry said the restrictions would make it harder for Kyiv's army to down Russian drones.
A 62-year-old man died on Wednesday after floodwaters swept his car into the sea on the Greek island of Rhodes, as torrential rain flooded roads, stranded vehicles and disrupted transport across the island.
A failure by the U.S. and Iran to reach an agreement on a UN-backed fertiliser shipping plan for the Strait of Hormuz within weeks could trigger a food security crisis in parts of Asia and Africa, a senior UN official has warned.
Pope Leo has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer, after surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung. The Vatican says the tumour was detected during a routine health check, but its stage and whether it has spread remain unknown.
Greek students braved heavy rain to pitch tents outside parliament in Athens on Tuesday, demanding affordable housing and more education funding as rising living costs put university places beyond the reach of some students.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment