What's happened
New York City’s 2025 mayoral race is intensifying, with Zohran Mamdani leading in early voting. Concerns grow over his socialist platform, potential tax hikes, and the city’s financial stability amid a three-way contest involving Cuomo and Sliwa. The race highlights fears of city decline and political clashes over governance.
What's behind the headline?
The NYC mayoral race is a critical flashpoint for the city’s future. Mamdani’s surge reflects a broader shift toward progressive policies, but his platform raises concerns about fiscal sustainability and public safety. The race exposes deep divisions within the Democratic Party, with Cuomo positioning himself as a more moderate alternative. The potential for state intervention remains high, especially if city policies threaten to destabilize the city’s finances. Hochul’s support for Mamdani suggests a possible alignment with radical policies, but her reelection prospects could hinge on her ability to balance progressive demands with fiscal responsibility. The outcome will determine whether New York’s political trajectory continues toward socialism or reverts to more traditional governance, with significant implications for urban policy and economic stability.
What the papers say
The New York Post editorial board warns that Mamdani’s socialist policies and tax hikes could trigger a mass exodus of residents and businesses, emphasizing the risk of irreversible decline. Al Jazeera reports that early voting has already exceeded previous records, with Mamdani leading in polls, but highlights the city’s complex electoral landscape. The same outlet notes that Cuomo’s campaign is trying to appeal to moderates and conservatives, despite his recent political setbacks and allegations. The Post also discusses the potential for state intervention, noting that Governor Hochul could use her constitutional powers to remove a mayor if chaos ensues, though her support for Mamdani complicates this scenario. Overall, the coverage underscores the high stakes of this election, with fears of fiscal collapse and social unrest looming if the city’s leadership pursues radical policies.
How we got here
The race is shaped by New York City’s ongoing challenges, including fiscal instability, crime, and political polarization. Mamdani’s platform advocates for tax increases on the wealthy and expansive social programs, which opponents warn could accelerate the city’s exodus and financial decline. The race features a mix of progressive, establishment, and conservative candidates, reflecting the city’s complex political landscape.
Go deeper
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More on these topics
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Zohran Kwame Mamdani is a Ugandan-American politician. He is the assembly member for the 36th district of the New York State Assembly. Mamdani was elected after defeating incumbent Democrat Aravella Simotas in the 2020 primary.
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Andrew Mark Cuomo is an American politician, author, and lawyer serving as the 56th and current Governor of New York since 2011. A member of the Democratic Party, he was elected to the same position his late father, Mario Cuomo, held for three terms.
Born
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Curtis Sliwa is an American activist, founder and chief executive officer of the Guardian Angels, radio talk show host, and politician. Sliwa is running for mayor of New York City in the 2021 New York City mayoral election as a Republican.
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Kathleen Courtney Hochul ( HOH-kəl; née Courtney; born August 27, 1958) is an American politician and lawyer who has served since 2021 as the 57th governor of New York. A member of the Democratic Party, she is New York's first female governor.
Born in..
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New York is a state in the Northeastern United States. New York was one of the original thirteen colonies that formed the United States. With more than 19 million residents in 2019, it is the fourth-most-populous state.