Highlights:
- Zohran Mamdani leads New York mayoral race polls.
- Trump calls Mamdani “a communist.”
- Over 90,000 volunteers back his campaign.
- Cuomo and Sliwa trail behind in polls.
- Mamdani could become NYC’s first Muslim mayor.
New York City is just a day away from electing its next mayor, and the race has taken a dramatic turn as Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim American and Democratic lawmaker from Queens, emerges as the clear frontrunner. The 34-year-old progressive has captivated voters across the city with his grassroots campaign focused on cost of living, public safety, and social equity.
According to the latest Quinnipiac University poll, Mamdani holds 43 per cent of voter support, followed by former governor Andrew Cuomo with 33 per cent, and Republican candidate after president Donald Trump labelled Mamdani 'a communist' and threatened to cut federal funding to New York if he wins.
Political analysts say Mamdani's candidacy reflects a generational shift in city politics. “A Muslim candidate for mayor of New York is an enormous story,” noted Lincoln Mitchell, a Columbia University politics professor. “He captures the anti-Trump spirit of the moment.”
Mamdani's campaign has been powered by an army of young volunteers, over 90,000 people, according to his team. His rallies have drawn enthusiastic crowds, with some supporters comparing him to Bernie Sanders. “Zohran is my Bernie Sanders,” said 15-year-old Abid Mahdi, a Queens native leading local canvassing efforts.
Despite facing attacks over his progressive tax policies and Islamophobic remarks from opponents, Mamdani has stayed focused on uniting diverse communities. “New Yorkers deserve a city that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few,” he told The Daily Show.
The campaign's final stretch has seen rain-soaked volunteers continuing door-to-door outreach, while Mamdani has also reached out to senior citizens in Brooklyn. Meanwhile, Cuomo has attempted to win back support by campaigning alongside current mayor Eric Adams, while Sliwa made headlines for appearing in a bizarre rap video wearing his trademark red beret.
As voting day approaches, early turnout figures show strong participation across party lines. With his message of equality, justice, and hope, Mamdani could soon become New York City’s first Muslim mayor — marking a turning point in the city’s political story.
