NYC Mayoral Primary Heats Up Amid Record PAC Spending

The 2025 New York City Democratic mayoral primary is intensifying, featuring front-runners Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani in a closely contested race. Cuomo benefits from a substantial financial advantage, with a pro-Cuomo super PAC raising a record $19.2 million and spending heavily on ads supporting him and opposing Mamdani, backed by prominent donors including Bill Ackman and former Mayor Michael Bloomberg. However, polls indicate the race is narrowing, with turnout and ranked-choice voting strategies expected to be decisive, as both campaigns seek to prevent their supporters from ranking the other candidate. Early voting has already begun with strong participation, and the election is scheduled for June 24. The candidates' contrasting messages and support bases highlight a generational and ideological divide, with Mamdani emphasizing his progressive record and condemning Cuomo's controversial past, including his 2021 resignation amid sexual harassment allegations. The outcome hinges on voter mobilization in diverse communities, particularly in younger, gentrifying neighborhoods for Mamdani and Orthodox Jewish areas for Cuomo.