New York City witnessed an unprecedented surge in voter participation for its mayoral election, with nearly 1.75 million ballots cast by 6 pm. This historic turnout marks the highest engagement in a New York mayoral race in at least three decades, signaling immense public interest in the pivotal contest. The election pits democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani against former Governor Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, and Republican challenger Curtis Sliwa. Polls were set to close at 9 pm, with the results poised to shape the city’s future and influence national politics.
A win for Mamdani would usher in New York’s first Muslim mayor and its youngest leader in generations, propelling his progressive economic platform onto a prominent national stage. Conversely, an Andrew Cuomo victory would signify a dramatic political comeback, especially following his resignation as governor amidst sexual harassment allegations. Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, aims for an unlikely Republican victory in the nation’s largest city, promising a leadership focused on public safety and a stance against federal overreach. Mamdani and Cuomo cast their votes in Queens and Manhattan, respectively, while Sliwa had opted for early voting. The race has gained national attention, with former President Trump actively campaigning against Mamdani, characterizing him as a threat to the city’s stability.