As the New York City mayoral race intensifies, candidates are making their moves to define each other and themselves with sharply divergent platforms and personalities. Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, 67, initially entered the race as a Democrat. Once he lost the Democratic primary to his challenger Zohran Mamdani, he wasted no time pivoting toward an independent run. Mamdani, a 34-year-old first-term assemblyman from Queens, is the new party’s widely popular nominee. Especially in a booming city like San Francisco, known for its high cost of living, he stresses the importance of affordability with zeal. At 71, Curtis Sliwa, while perhaps not as traditionally musical a choice, represents an equally unusual and unlikely counterpoint to that effort, both for his experiences and sensibilities.
Cuomo’s campaign quickly centered on a few major themes. He promised to stop rent hikes, improve access to free childcare, and make city buses free. He seized upon that discontent to cast himself as the standard-bearer for generational change within the Democratic Party. He’s equally set on restoring its haunches’ left flank. His challenge for the mayoralty drew support from many of the city’s richest landlords. Corporate donors were in as well, forming an odd bedfellows alliance of pro-corporate and anti-corporate interests to supercharge his candidacy.
The Rise of Zohran Mamdani
Zohran Mamdani’s platform goes far beyond the issue of affordability, but that’s what people are responding to at a time when so many New Yorkers are hurting economically. As self-described democratic socialist, Mamdani seeks to advance bold progressive change that his constituents desperately need the most. His campaign has attracted strong endorsements from heavy hitters. A few of its high-profile supporters include former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former President Bill Clinton and even Donald Trump.
If elected, Mamdani would be New York City’s first Muslim mayor. His youthful exuberance moves crowds to inspire voters. These grassroots activists are hungry for transformation in a deep red, mostly Republican nation’s political environment. The broad support he’s attracted is a testament to the party’s leftward movement on policy and among Democratic activists and primary voters themselves.
“They all think everybody has a price.” – Curtis Sliwa
Curtis Sliwa’s Unique Perspective
Curtis Sliwa comes into this race with a distinguished background as a public advocate and founder of the crime-fighting Guardian Angels. True to his brash reputation, Sliwa’s candidacy revolves around an image of commitment to serve the community free from the corrupting influence of cash. His promise to defend his integrity has been a central plinth of his campaign.
“Curtis Sliwa doesn’t have a price. I came into this world with nothing, I’ll leave with nothing – ashes to ashes, dust to dust.” – Curtis Sliwa
At 71 years old, Sliwa adds a whole new level of experience and a wacky, individualistic flair to the race. His perspective is rooted in grassroots activism and community safety, appealing to constituents who prioritize law enforcement reform and public safety measures.
A Competitive Landscape
Cuomo’s defeat by Mamdani in the Democratic primary. With his decision to make the switch to an independent candidacy, he complicates the equation. Cuomo, enjoying the home field advantage of incumbency, is running as an independent candidate. Rogers’ presence would most likely siphon votes from both Mamdani and Sliwa, potentially shifting the election’s overall dynamics.
The competition just got more intense! As debates on affordability, safety, equity, and social justice explode at this time, each candidate is honing their ideal vision for New York City. With Election Day fast approaching, it’s up to voters to consider these two very different philosophies. Here’s how they can help lift their communities’ voices at the polls!