Cuomo Faces Unified Opposition Ahead NYC Democratic Mayoral Primary

In the lead-up to New York City's Democratic mayoral primary, several candidates urged voters to block former Governor Andrew Cuomo's bid for mayor due to his past sexual harassment scandal, despite him being the frontrunner and having significant establishment endorsements including former President Bill Clinton. Candidates like City Comptroller Brad Lander, State Senator Zellnor Myrie, and State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, who would be the city's first Muslim and Indian-American mayor if elected, focused their campaigns on fresh leadership and addressing the high cost of living, gaining notable support and momentum. Polls show Cuomo retains a slight lead in first-choice votes, but Mamdani leads in ranked-choice preferences, reflecting a divided electorate. Mamdani's campaign has also faced scrutiny over his pro-Palestinian views, which have become a topic of controversy. The election's outcome remains uncertain due to New York's ranked-choice voting system, which could prolong the vote-counting process. Meanwhile, in Buffalo, local Democratic candidates are also campaigning vigorously ahead of their mayoral primary, emphasizing the need for new leadership and fiscal responsibility following the departure of longtime Mayor Byron Brown.