UP TO YOU: Decision time for New York City
As voters head to the polls, Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo fight to lead New York City — and for the future of the Democratic Party
Today’s the final day of voting in the New York City Democratic primary (the real mayoral contest in this heavily Democratic city). Polling indicates a two-person race between veteran centrist and former Governor Andrew Cuomo and progressive New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, with Mamdani dominating among younger voters, as Cuomo solidifies his hold on those Gen X and up. Following his arrest last week, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander is running in third place and has cross-endorsed with Mamdani to marshal progressive voters to keep Cuomo out of office. With ranked-choice voting likely to make an impact on the outcome in a close race, the outcome isn’t clear, but it is clear that national Democrats are taking it very seriously as a referendum on the direction of the party.
Senator Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have endorsed Mamdani as a model for a progressive future, while Bill Clinton and Rep. James Clyburn have weighed in to defend Cuomo — and Democratic centrism — against a serious challenge from the left. And as has been the case throughout the campaign, the two leaders are fighting it out not just to prove they’ll be the best administrator for the city, but to demonstrate the best fighter to defend New York City’s interests against Donald Trump, still the real opponent in this race for many New Yorkers — and the national Democrats who are paying such close attention.
As you head out to vote (or if you’re watching from elsewhere), we hope you’ll take a look back at The Ink’s coverage of the New York City mayoral race.
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I was excited to vote today! In the building where I live, everyone on the text chain was all about Mamdani and no Cuomo. (I am a Brad Lander #1 person) I read the earlier post about Mamdani & LaGuardia. Good bit of history.
Im still not convinced the outcome in NYC should determine the outcome of the national strategy…