As New York City approaches its mayoral election on November 4, 2025, the race is heating up with a diverse array of candidates, shifting political landscapes, and voter mobilization efforts. Here’s an overview of the current state of the race.
Major Candidates and Their Positions
Andrew Cuomo
The former governor, who resigned in 2021 amid multiple scandals, is running as a Democrat. Recent polls show him leading the Democratic primary with 39% support. Cuomo’s campaign emphasizes public safety and economic revitalization. However, his candidacy has faced criticism due to his controversial tenure as governor.
Zohran Mamdani
A state assemblymember, Mamdani is gaining traction with 15% support in recent polls. He positions himself as a progressive alternative, focusing on affordable housing and social justice issues.
Adrienne Adams
The city council speaker has declared her candidacy, positioning herself as a candidate capable of uniting diverse communities. She emphasizes pragmatic solutions to the city’s challenges.
Eric Adams
The incumbent mayor has announced he will run for re-election as an independent, bypassing the Democratic primary. He cites the lingering effects of a now-dismissed federal corruption case as the reason for his decision. Adams focuses on public safety and economic recovery in his campaign.
Recent Developments
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Voter Mobilization: Nearly 7,000 Jewish voters in NYC have newly registered as Democrats ahead of the June 2025 mayoral primary, signaling significant political mobilization amid rising concerns over antisemitism.
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Controversial Endorsements: In a surprising turn, 10 politicians who previously called for Cuomo’s resignation have endorsed his mayoral bid, drawing criticism from advocates who view this as a betrayal of government workers.
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Candidate Forum: At a forum organized by Rev. Al Sharpton, candidates heavily criticized former President Donald Trump, labeling him an “existential threat” to NYC, highlighting issues like funding cuts and immigration policies.
Polling Data
Recent polls reflect a competitive race:
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Data for Progress Poll: Cuomo leads with 39%, followed by Mamdani at 15%.
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Emerson College Poll: Cuomo maintains a lead in both the Democratic primary and hypothetical general election matchups.
Voting Information
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Primary Date: The Democratic primary is scheduled for June 24, 2025.
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General Election: The general election will be held on November 4, 2025.
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Voter Registration: Residents must be registered to vote by May 30, 2025.
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Ranked-Choice Voting: NYC utilizes ranked-choice voting, allowing voters to rank up to five candidates in order of preference. This system aims to ensure majority support for elected candidates, providing a more inclusive voting process.
