Trump Urges Two Candidates to Exit NYC Mayoral Race

President Donald Trump is urging two candidates to drop out of New York City's crowded mayoral race to create a one-on-one contest against Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, whom he labels a communist and fears could win otherwise. Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist and Queens assemblyman, is the clear polling frontrunner, having defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary, with Cuomo now running as an independent. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and Republican Curtis Sliwa are also in the race, but Trump and his advisers have reportedly explored offering Adams and Sliwa federal positions to encourage their withdrawal in an effort to weaken Mamdani's chances. Both Adams and Sliwa have denied direct discussions with Trump about dropping out or accepting administration roles. Trump emphasized that a one-on-one race would be winnable and expressed his preference against having a communist mayor in the nation's largest city. The mayoral contest remains highly competitive and politically significant, with Mamdani's progressive platform focused on affordability and free public services energizing a grassroots base.