735,000 Early Votes Already Cast as Mamdani and Cuomo Battle in NYC Mayoral Race

New York City’s mayoral election heads into its final hours with Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani holding a narrow lead over independent Andrew Cuomo, while Republican Curtis Sliwa trails in third.

Recent polls show Mamdani at 42% of likely voters, Cuomo at 39%, Sliwa at 15%, and undecided voters at 4%. Record early voting, surpassing 735,000 ballots, signals historic turnout.

Mamdani, 33, a state assemblyman from Queens, has campaigned on rent control, universal childcare, and a $30 minimum wage. “They’re scared because we’re winning with ideas,” he said at a rally in Jackson Heights, joined by Sen. Bernie Sanders. Mamdani’s platform promises $10 billion from police overtime to fund affordable housing.

Cuomo, former governor seeking a comeback, emphasizes crime control and economic revival. He criticized Mamdani’s proposals as unrealistic and financially risky. Republican Sliwa, the Guardian Angels founder, campaigns on public safety and anti-corruption but has struggled to unite the conservative vote.

The race drew national attention after former President Donald Trump endorsed Cuomo, calling Mamdani a “radical socialist.” Elon Musk amplified the message on social media, while hardline strategist Stephen Miller warned of chaos under a Mamdani administration. Trump’s involvement energized conservative voters but alarmed some moderates, with 22% of Cuomo supporters calling it a “red flag.”

Mamdani’s support is strongest among young voters, Latinos, and women, while Cuomo leads older, suburban, and white voters. Experts warn a late surge for Cuomo is possible if conservative turnout increases. The stakes are high: NYC faces rising rents, violent crime, and a post-pandemic recovery.

Polls close at 9 p.m. ET, and results may continue into the night as mail-in ballots are counted.

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