The NYC mayoral primary is heating up! Former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani clash, with recent polls showing a tighter race then expected. The central question: can Mamdani, despite possibly securing a primary victory, withstand the looming influence of big money and outside spending from wealthy donors? Discover key insights into ranked-choice voting’s impact and how the outcome could reshape campaigns nationally. News Directory 3 breaks down the battle for the mayor’s seat. Will this mayoral face-off spark a new political narrative? Discover what’s next …
Cuomo,Mamdani Face Off in NYC Mayoral Primary Amid Spending Concerns
Updated June 25,2025
As New Yorkers head to the polls for the Democratic primary in the mayoral election,the contest between former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Assembly member Zohran Mamdani has intensified. Despite Cuomo being favored,recent polling indicates a closer race,with Mamdani even leading in one survey.
The looming question is whether a well-funded political machine could undermine Mamdani, even if he secures a primary victory. Observers suggest that organizations aiming to sway the mayoral race could inject substantial funds, potentially overshadowing the voters’ will.
One critic, noting the influence of Cuomo’s wealthy donors, said, “Cuomo’s super wealthy contributors have signaled thay will spend what it takes to defeat Mamdani in a general election rematch. Like other americans,New Yorkers can thank the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision for opening the floodgates of unlimited political spending and obliterating any concept of fairness in American democracy.”
Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of NYC Democratic Socialists of America, echoed these concerns. “Billionaires are used to having a mayor and politicians who work for them,” gordillo said.”We’re expecting them to fight us all the way. If he wins the primary, we’re not gonna rest or let up. We’re going to keep the fight on until the general. And if he wins the general, then we’re going to keep organizing and keep the struggle going well into his governance because that’s the only way that we can actually implement the agenda and change our politics.”
The ranked-choice voting system means that a winner might not be declared until July 1, pending the Board of Elections’ algorithm.
Should Mamdani advance to the general election, he could face a divided field of centrists, including Cuomo, Adams, autonomous attorney Jim Walden, and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
One observer noted the broader implications of the race. “A victory by Zohran in the Democratic primary would be a seismic shift in politics and the election and how campaigns are run and won. Not just in New York City but across the nation,” she said.
She added, “Even tho it’s the mayor, it’s not really a local position. It’s a national position. We certainly know that if Zohran wins, it will create a new narrative around what’s possible.”
