New York City voters will choose a new mayor on Tuesday in an election that has captured national attention and sparked heated debate across America's largest city. Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old state assemblyman and democratic socialist, faces former Governor Andrew Cuomo running as an independent and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
Polling stations open at 6 AM local time (11:00 GMT) and close at 9 PM (02:00 GMT on November 5).
Mamdani leads in the latest RealClearPolitics average with 46.1 percent, holding a 14.3-point advantage over Cuomo at 31.8 percent and a 29.8-point lead over Sliwa at 16.3 percent. If elected, the Uganda-born politician would become the city's first Muslim mayor, first African-born mayor, and first of South Asian descent.
His platform focuses on affordability, proposing rent freezes, universal childcare, cheaper public transport, and raising the minimum wage to $30 per hour. Nearly 370,000 early ballots have been cast, with strong support from young voters.
Cuomo resigned as governor in 2021 after sexual harassment allegations by 13 women were confirmed by a state inquiry. After losing the Democratic primary to Mamdani 56-44 percent, he remained in the race as an independent. On Monday, President Donald Trump and Elon Musk endorsed Cuomo, though whether this last-minute support will sway voters remains uncertain.
The race has centered on housing affordability, with the city facing a 1.41 percent vacancy rate and rising costs. Law and order, migration, and the Israel-Gaza conflict have also dominated campaign discussions.
Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding if Mamdani wins, having already suspended $18 billion in federal funds during October's government shutdown.
