As the November 2nd mayoral election approaches, Zohran Mamdani has intensified his campaign efforts, emphasizing affordability and the needs of working-class New Yorkers. The self-described democratic socialist, who has long positioned himself as a champion of the city’s most vulnerable communities, is focusing his final push on issues that resonate with seniors, hospital workers, and those struggling with the high cost of living in Manhattan. Mamdani’s campaign has taken him to the Lower East Side, where he joined a tai chi class to engage with senior voters—many of whom are living on fixed incomes and are particularly sensitive to rising costs. This outreach is part of a broader strategy to reaffirm his commitment to the working-class New Yorkers who have been the backbone of his campaign.
Mamdani’s campaign has faced increasing scrutiny, particularly from moderate Democrats and business groups, who have criticized his progressive agenda as too costly and unrealistic. His plan to freeze rents, expand city-run services, and provide universal childcare is funded by a proposal to raise taxes on corporations and the top 1% of New Yorkers—a policy that has drawn sharp criticism from Republicans and some within his own party. Despite this, Mamdani remains confident in his message, stating that the city’s affordability crisis is the defining issue of the election and that his campaign’s core message has not changed. In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, he reiterated that the challenge lies in making a city that is already the most expensive in the United States more affordable for its residents.
While Mamdani maintains a double-digit lead in recent polls, his margin has been narrowing, and his rival, Andrew Cuomo, is gaining ground. A new Fox News Poll shows that Mamdani’s lead over Cuomo, who is running as an independent, has dropped to 10 points, a significant shift from his previous 16-point advantage. This shift has led to speculation that Cuomo, a former governor and current mayor, is gaining traction with voters who may be disillusioned with Mamdani’s progressive policies. Meanwhile, former mayor Eric Adams, who dropped out of the race in September but will still appear on the ballot, is joining forces with Cuomo in a last-ditch effort to bolster the anti-Mamdani vote. Adams has outlined a plan to increase the NYPD’s headcount by 5,000 officers, a move he claims will bring the department to its highest level in two decades.
Mamdani’s approach to public safety has been a point of contention during his campaign, particularly with his past criticisms of the NYPD. In recent months, he has apologized for past statements that were widely seen as inflammatory, including calling the department ‘racist, anti-queer, and a major threat to public safety’ during the 2020 protests. Now, as the election approaches, he has sought to distance himself from those comments, emphasizing his commitment to retaining NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch if elected. However, he has also criticized Adams’ proposal to expand the police force, arguing that it is unaffordable and that New Yorkers are more concerned with safety than with simply increasing the number of officers.
As the final days of the campaign approach, both candidates are engaged in a fierce battle for the hearts and minds of New Yorkers, with affordability and public safety emerging as the key issues. The outcome of the election could have significant implications for the future of New York City, its economy, and the balance of power within the Democratic Party.