New York City’s 2025 Democratic mayoral primary will almost certainly decide who runs the nation’s largest city. The contest uses ranked‑choice voting, so finishing second or third still keeps a candidate alive after each elimination round. For months former Governor Andrew Cuomo led comfortably, but a fresh Public Policy Polling survey (June 6‑7) shows progressive Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani edging ahead 35 %‑31 %.
In any case, the race is boiling down to a tight showdown between those two. With ranked-choice voting in play, even traditionally lower-tier candidates could influence the outcome. Polling aside, prediction markets make Cuomo an odds-on favorite, still holding a lead with a 61% chance of winning. But Mamdani has gained grown there, too, surging from merely 8% to now nearly 40%.
Here’s everything else you need to know about Cuomo, Mamdani, and the other candidates running to for New York City Mayor — plus, a bold prediction as to who will will the Democratic primary laster this month.
Andrew Cuomo
- Background: 66 years old; served as NY Governor 2011–2021 and HUD Secretary.
- Policy stance: Promises law-and-order leadership, upscale infrastructure, and crime deterrence. Backed by moderate PACs and Michael Bloomberg.
- Polls & market data: Around 37–40% first-choice support in May surveys; breaks the 50% mark by later ranked-choice rounds. An early-June poll cited 38% vs Mamdani’s 22%.
- Momentum: Holding firm despite past controversies. Picks up support from unions, Bloomberg, and at least one congressman.
Zohran Mamdani
- Background: 33 years old; originally from Uganda, Assemblyman since 2021.
- Policy stance: Democratic Socialist platform—advocates rent freeze, free NYC buses, public groceries, expanded social programs, and public transit reform.
- Polls & market data: Runs 18–22% in major polls; leads among LGBT voters. One survey even shows a 4-point edge.
- Momentum: Backed by AOC and Velázquez; recently accused a Cuomo PAC of Islamophobic tactics. Gaining with progressive base but still closing the gap.
Adrienne Adams
- Background: 64 years old; Speaker, NYC Council; represents southeast Queens.
- Policy stance: Close Rikers, keep sanctuary‑city laws, restore library and park funding, expand child‑care vouchers
Brad Lander
- Background: 55 years old; New York City Comptroller; ex-Brooklyn council-member; urban planner
- Policy stance: Climate‑risk budgeting, universal 3‑K, “15‑minute city” street redesigns, public bank for green housing retrofits.
Zellnor Myrie
- Background: 38 years old; State Senator; author of 2019 rent-law overhaul.
- Policy positions: “Housing First” up‑zoning around transit, NYPD traffic‑stop reform, city climate‑resiliency bonds
Scott Stringer
- Background: 65 years old; Former NYC Comptroller and 2021 mayoral contender.
- Policy positions: Data‑driven budgeting, 100 k new social‑housing units, city‑owned broadband, universal Pre‑K expansion
Whitney Tilson
- Background: 58 years old; hedge fund manager and author.
- Policy positions: Focused on cutting crime, reducing municipal waste, addressing living costs, and improving schools. Criticizes police-defunding rhetoric.
What Comes Next?
With early voting imminent (June 14–22) and the primary June 24 looming, the reactions to the debate will be critical. Meanwhile, endorsements are rolling in: Cuomo pins moderate backing as Mamdani racks up progressive support from fire brands like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Whomever gains most second- or third-choice rankings could leap ahead. It’s shaping into a classic establishment vs progressive showdown—one that could redefine NYC politics.
NYC Mayor Prediction
While the markets and polling still give Cuomo the edge, it’s Mamdani’s economic populism and bold progressive agenda that is closing the gap. The 33 year old certainly has momentum, and could pull of that upset if ranked choice voting breaks his way.
Conventional wisdom says Andrew Cuomo will be the next Mayor of New York City—but at nearly 2-to-1 odds, my bet is on Mamdani. Comment with your prediction!
