Mamdani Narrows Gap With Cuomo in New York Mayoral Race

New York City’s 2025 mayoral race is shaping up as a fierce contest between former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Democratic socialist Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani. Prediction markets and recent polls show Mamdani gaining ground, with some surveys even putting him ahead or within a narrow margin of Cuomo, reflecting voter interest in Mamdani's economic populism and progressive policies such as rent stabilization and free public transit. Cuomo, aiming to leverage his experience, has launched a closing campaign ad warning of potential civil unrest and President Trump’s interference, portraying Mamdani as dangerously inexperienced. The two candidates clashed in a recent debate, where Cuomo criticized Mamdani’s legislative record, while Mamdani highlighted Cuomo’s resignation amid sexual harassment scandals. Despite Cuomo’s frontrunner status, the race has become a two-person contest, energized by Mamdani’s appeal to younger, liberal voters and his economic platform addressing affordability and inequality. The campaign dynamic underscores the tension between establishment politics and rising progressive movements in New York City.