Sun Oct 26 09:30:00 UTC 2025: News Article:
New York City Elects New Mayor in Closely Watched Race
New Yorkers headed to the polls Saturday to cast their votes in the highly anticipated mayoral election, choosing between Democrat Zohran Mamdani, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and former Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent. While incumbent Mayor Eric Adams is on the ballot, he has dropped out of the race and endorsed Cuomo.
Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist who has energized liberal voters with proposals like universal childcare and a rent freeze, holds a lead in the polls. His platform focuses on affordability and cost of living issues. He has faced criticism from Cuomo, who has assailed Mamdani’s condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Mamdani has described Israel’s military actions in Gaza as genocide.
Cuomo, who resigned from the governorship in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations, has painted Mamdani’s policies as unrealistic and is banking on his experience as governor. He has strongly criticised Mamdani’s stance on Israel.
The election is also being closely watched as a potential bellwether for the Democratic Party, influencing the types of candidates they might put forward to counter Republican President Donald Trump’s agenda.
“New York City pits the progressive wing against the establishment old guard in Mamdani versus Cuomo,” said Ashley Koning, director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University in New Jersey.
In New Jersey:
Meanwhile, neighboring New Jersey is also holding a closely watched gubernatorial election between Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democratic US Representative Mikie Sherrill. The winner will replace term-limited Democratic Governor Phil Murphy. The race has focused on affordability, the cost of living, and national political issues.
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