WASHINGTON, D.C. (WZMQ) — Election Day is right around the corner — and one local race for control of a major U.S. city is shaking up Democratic politics nationwide.
The candidates running to be mayor of New York City went head-to-head on the debate stage Thursday evening.
Self-described Democratic socialist, Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, is the front-runner over former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations, is running in the Nov. 4 general election as an Independent after a stunning loss in his party’s primary to Mamdani this spring.
“If you want to look for me on the ballot, you’ll find me as the Democrat,” said Mamdani.
Mamdani has picked up support from high-profile Democrats including Vice President Kamala Harris, New York Attorney General Letitia James and Gov. Kathy Hochul.
“I made it very clear that we have differences. But I also believe that he brings a sense of optimism and the can-do spirit, a positivity that I believe our city needs at this time,” said Hochul following her endorsement in September.
But when asked last night, both Mamdani and Cuomo stopped short of endorsing Hochul for reelection.
“It’s a decision that should be made after this general election,” said Mamdani when asked by moderators.
“We have to know who’s running,” replied Cuomo when asked if he’d endorse his former lieutenant governor.
One year ahead of the 2026 midterms, top Democrats in Congress — including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. — have yet to endorse Mamdani.
“I’ll just say I had a good talk with Mamdani last week and I look forward to meeting with him in New York,” said Schumer when asked in July if he had plans to support Mamdani or Cuomo.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., has not endorsed a candidate either.
The prospect of Mamdani leading the nation’s largest city is driving discourse and stirring debate on Capitol Hill. During a heated confrontation regarding the government shutdown earlier this month, Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., confronted Jeffries after a press conference.
“You shut the government down and my constituents are suffering as a result of your ridiculous ploy because you’re so afraid of Zohran Mamdani. By the way, when are you endorsing him, do you endorse him for mayor?” asked Lawler during the exchange.
“You’re a complete and total embarrassment right now,” Jeffries replied. “First of all, I don’t answer to you.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who was running as an Independent, abandoned his reelection bid in late September amid scrutiny over federal corruption and bribery charges last spring. Adams was accused of soliciting donations from Turkish nationals and trading favors for wealthy donors. The charges were dismissed by the Trump administration, citing a need to work with the mayor during the immigration crackdown.
Now, Adams is reportedly considering endorsing Cuomo, citing concerns over Mamdani’s progressive policies.
