Today marks the anticipated unveiling of New York City’s next mayor, as voters head to the polls in significant numbers.
The candidates vying for the position include former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and Democrat Zohran Mamdani.
This election will determine the successor to Democrat Eric Adams, a former NYPD captain, who chose not to seek re-election earlier this year.
According to the BBC, polls indicate that Mamdani is leading in the race. If elected, he would be the first Muslim mayor in New York City’s history.
At 34 years old, Mamdani is the youngest among the candidates and identifies as a ‘democratic socialist’.
His proposed policies include increasing taxes on the wealthiest, expanding publicly subsidized housing, and implementing a freeze on stabilized apartment rent rates.
In an interview with Norah O’Donnell on 60 Minutes, President Donald Trump criticized Mamdani, labeling him a ‘communist’.
During this exchange, which some viewers considered surprising, Trump also commented on his own appearance.
As O’Donnell attempted to question Trump about the election, stating: “Zohran Mamdani, 34 year old Democratic Socialist—,” Trump interrupted with: “Communist, not a socialist. He’s a communist. He’s far worse than a socialist.”
O’Donnell continued her question, mentioning comparisons made between Mamdani and Trump: “Some people have compared him to a left-wing version of you; charismatic, breaking the old rules – what do you think about that?”
Trump quickly responded: “Well I think I’m a much better-looking person than him, right?”
Trump has expressed support for independent candidate Cuomo, who was governor from 2011 until his resignation in 2021 following sexual misconduct allegations, which he denies.
Trump dismissed the Republican candidate Sliwa, suggesting that voting for him equates to supporting Mamdani.
Previously, Trump had indicated he would limit federal funding to New York should Mamdani be elected.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump asserted: “Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him, and hope he does a fantastic job.”
“He is capable of it, Mamdani is not!”
Cuomo responded by clarifying that Trump is not endorsing him but opposing Mamdani.
Polling stations in New York’s five boroughs – the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island – are open from 6am to 9pm ET today (Tuesday, November 4).
The exact timing of the results is uncertain. However, if the previous mayoral election serves as an indicator, the outcome could be available shortly after the polls close.
In the 2021 mayoral race, Adams was declared the winner approximately 10 minutes after the polls closed, securing about two-thirds of the vote.