Mamdani Leads NYC Race; Donors Rally Around Cuomo

Zohran Mamdani, a Queens assemblyman and self-described democratic socialist, is the Democratic frontrunner for New York City mayor, leading polls by roughly 20 points with about 45% support and strong odds in prediction markets. He has mobilized South Asian and young voters and is campaigning on affordability proposals including rent freezes, fare-free buses, free childcare and city-run grocery stores. The race narrowed after Mayor Eric Adams withdrew, leaving Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, and wealthy donors have increasingly coalesced around Cuomo while billionaires have intensified opposition to Mamdani. President Donald Trump has repeatedly attacked Mamdani on social media, calling him a self-proclaimed Communist and warning he would withhold federal funding if Mamdani wins — a threat that has been condemned by Senator Bernie Sanders. Mamdani has rejected the label and called Trump's warnings political theater, and coverage is polarized, with critics highlighting concerns such as debates over decriminalizing prostitution while supporters emphasize housing, childcare and public-safety concerns in neighborhoods like Queens.