NEW YORK — The pathway for several New York City mayoral candidates has narrowed, shifting their immediate focus toward derailing former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s aspiration to return to political prominence. The main political stage is set during the final rush of campaigning on the eve of the city’s Democratic primary. Candidates who face an uphill battle in clinching the nomination are now imploring voters to exclude Cuomo from their preferences in the city’s ranked choice voting system as a strategic move to prevent his political resurgence, following his involvement in a sexual harassment scandal.
Candidate and city Comptroller Brad Lander voiced this sentiment on a popular radio show, urging citizens to ensure Cuomo doesn’t make it to City Hall. Another contender, State Sen. Zellnor Myrie, echoed this call, imploring voters to seek fresh leadership and assert bold solutions by leaving Cuomo off the ballot.
Despite being a leading figure in the race for several months, Cuomo now faces growing pressure from Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old state assemblyman, who could become the first Muslim and Indian American mayor of New York City. A democratic socialist elected to the Legislature in 2020, Mamdani has gained traction with a vigorous campaign that emphasizes tackling the high cost of living. His penultimate campaign day was marked by visits to businesses and discussions with northern Manhattan residents, supported by a lively crowd.
“This is the most expensive city in America, and New Yorkers are weary of constantly agonizing over their survival here,” Mamdani declared. Meanwhile, Cuomo addressed a union hall, cautioning against radicalism and urging voters to choose a candidate seasoned in governance. “This is not suitable for a novice,” Cuomo argued, emphasizing that experience is crucial.
Mamdani expressed determination, identifying himself as poised to dismantle a political dynasty. The ideological rift within the Democratic Party becomes apparent through the contrasting visions of Cuomo, an older moderate, and Mamdani, a progressive voice. Former President Bill Clinton recently endorsed Cuomo, advising voters not to undervalue the complex issues a mayor faces. The New York Times refrained from endorsing any candidate but commended Lander and positioned Cuomo as a more viable option than Mamdani.
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders have thrown their support behind Mamdani. The candidates’ differing views on the recent American military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities provide further insights into the party’s division. Cuomo criticized the lack of consultation in the decision-making process, maintaining that Iran should not have nuclear capabilities. Conversely, Mamdani demeaned the establishment’s preference for excessive military spending over domestic welfare and critiqued the narrative surrounding outsider fears.
Cuomo previously held the governorship for three terms before stepping down in 2021 due to allegations of sexual harassment made by 11 women, accusations he disputes. The newly adopted ranked choice voting system in New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary enables voters to rank up to five candidates. If no candidate secures the majority first-choice votes, the counting proceeds in rounds, with the lowest-ranked contender eliminated and their votes redistributed per voters’ next choices. This process continues until a candidate attains a majority.
Opposing candidates are appealing to the electorate not to list Cuomo at all, thereby restricting support for him in subsequent tallying rounds. The Democratic primary slate includes eleven candidates, although incumbent Mayor Eric Adams is absent. Adams, a Democrat, is pursuing reelection as an independent, while the Republicans have chosen Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa as their nominee.