Five Highlights:
- Trump says Mamdani favored to win NYC mayoral race unless two rivals withdraw.
- Mamdani, 33, surged after defeating ex-governor Andrew Cuomo in June primaries.
- Eric Adams insists on staying in despite indictment and Democratic backlash.
- Cuomo urges Adams to drop out, while Sliwa vows to fight on.
- Trump denies urging exits but says one-on-one race could be competitive.
Speaking at a White House dinner, president Donald Trump weighed in on New York City’s high-stakes mayoral contest, asserting that Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani is now the presumptive favorite to become the city’s next mayor—unless two of his three main rivals quit the race.
“I don’t think you can win unless you have one-on-one, and somehow he’s gotten a little bit of a lead,” Trump remarked, emphasizing that a divided field benefits Mamdani. He denied pressuring any candidate to leave but made clear he “would like to see two people drop out and have it be one-on-one,” suggesting this would make the contest more competitive.
Trump met with tech leaders while making these remarks, but did not specify which of the candidates he would like to see withdraw.
Zohran Mamdani: From Upset to Frontrunner
Zohran Mamdani, 33, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and the state assembly, stunned political observers earlier this year when he defeated former New York governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary. Mamdani’s victory, propelled by grassroots organizing and support from progressives, cemented his place as the frontrunner in the November general election. Cuomo, meanwhile, remains on the ballot as an independent, as does incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and Republican Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels.wikipedia+2
Mamdani’s campaign is anchored in bold progressive policies, including fare-free city buses, universal childcare, city-operated grocery stores, comprehensive public safety reform, a rent freeze, and a $30 minimum wage by 2030. The candidate has promised tax hikes for corporations and New Yorkers earning above $1 million per year and has been outspoken on broader social justice issues, including his critical stance on Israeli policy.bbc
Eric Adams: Vows to Stay, Rejects Pressure
Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams has faced mounting challenges since being indicted on corruption charges last year, a development that wounded his reelection campaign and complicated his ties with Democrats. On a recent trip to Miami, Adams reportedly met with real estate developer Steve Witkoff, now a prominent Trump ally. Despite speculation and calls—including from Cuomo—for him to step aside, Adams remains resolute. “No pressure, no diamonds,” he said at a campaign event, adding, “Just because a number of people ask you to step down... that’s not what I do.”
Adams’ ability to persist despite scandal is both criticized and admired, as some Democrats worry that a divided field could split votes, handing the victory to Mamdani.
Cuomo and Sliwa: The Spoilers?
Cuomo, still on the ballot as an independent, has called on Adams to bow out if defeating Mamdani is truly the priority. “If Mamdani is the existential threat, if you believe that, then... you should defer to the strongest candidates,” Cuomo argued at a news conference. Curtis Sliwa, meanwhile, continues to champion his own campaign, hoping to galvanize Republican and anti-establishment voters. “I’m not dropping out. I’m in it until November 4,” Sliwa firmly declared, brushing aside any suggestion of uniting the field to block Mamdani.
The Road Ahead
Polls indicate Mamdani’s lead remains substantial, especially among younger and progressive voters, while divisions persist among Democrats and the broader electorate. If elected, Mamdani would make history as New York’s first Muslim, first Indian American, and one of its youngest ever mayors. Meanwhile, the city and the nation watch as New York’s fractured political field inches closer to a decisive November showdown.britannica+1
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zohran_Mamdani
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Zohran-Mamdani
- https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/01/nyregion/mamdani-wins-mayor-primary-nyc.html
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvge57k5p4yo
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/nyc-mayoral-race-from-zohran-mamdani-to-eric-adams-what-the-latest-poll-reveals/articleshow/123267266.cms
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_New_York_City_mayoral_election
- https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/07/politics/zohran-mamdani-opposition-struggles
- https://www.zohranfornyc.com
