Betting Markets Predict Cuomo Win NYC Democratic Primary

The 2025 New York City Democratic mayoral primary is a closely watched contest between former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, with Cuomo currently leading in betting markets and most polls. Cuomo benefits from significant financial backing from billionaires and prominent Democrats, including a $5 million donation from former Mayor Michael Bloomberg and an endorsement from former President Bill Clinton, positioning him as the experienced candidate capable of handling political challenges. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, has gained popularity among younger voters by focusing on issues like poverty and affordability but faces criticism for his lack of political experience. Despite the primary outcome, Cuomo plans to run in the general election on a third-party line if he loses, a strategy reminiscent of past New York City and Buffalo mayoral races where incumbents circumvented Democratic primary defeats. The ranked-choice voting system and well-funded political machines add complexity to the race, with some observers concerned about the influence of money and party insiders on the democratic process. The primary election results will set the stage for the November general election, with eleven candidates on the Democratic ballot and no Republican primary due to a single candidate.