Daijiworld Media Network – New York

New York, Oct 25: Early voting for New York’s next mayor began Saturday, with outsider Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani emerging as the frontrunner in a race that has upended the city’s politics. The 34-year-old state lawmaker, a self-described socialist, has surged from political obscurity to lead a campaign energized by young voters and focused on the city’s soaring cost of living, including a promise to freeze rent for two million New Yorkers in rent-stabilized properties.

Mamdani’s rise comes after current mayor Eric Adams bowed out of the race and endorsed former governor Andrew Cuomo, who had previously been criticized by Adams as a "snake and a liar." In the latest citywide poll conducted by Victory Insights between October 22 and 23, Mamdani held 47 percent support, leading Cuomo by 18 points, while Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa trailed at 16 percent.

The mayoral contest has largely centered on affordability and how candidates would deal with former President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly attacked Mamdani and threatened to withhold federal funds from the city. Trump labelled Mamdani a "communist" over his proposals to make bus travel and childcare free. Mamdani, however, has signaled willingness to cooperate with Trump if it helps reduce the cost of living, while Cuomo favors confronting the former president, and Sliwa seeks negotiation.

Mamdani received further momentum Friday with an endorsement from Hakeem Jeffries, the top Democrat in the US House of Representatives, praising his commitment to address the city’s affordability crisis and serve all New Yorkers. Mamdani will rally additional support Sunday alongside Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at a “get out the vote” event in Forest Hills Stadium, Queens.

Early voting continues until November 2, with Election Day set for November 4, and the winner taking office in the New Year.