New York, June 24, 2025 (Reuters) — Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is attempting a political comeback in the city’s high-stakes Democratic mayoral primary, four years after resigning over sexual misconduct allegations. But the 67-year-old political veteran faces a formidable challenge from progressive State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist and rising star among left-leaning voters.Despite past controversies, Cuomo maintains a narrow lead in polls, bolstered by endorsements from establishment figures like Michael Bloomberg and Bill Clinton. However, Mamdani — who has received backing from Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez — has rapidly gained ground, surging from 1% to 32% in recent polls.New Yorkers are casting their votes using a ranked-choice system, which allows them to rank up to five candidates. Final results may take weeks as votes are redistributed in multiple rounds until one candidate secures more than 50%.Cuomo has positioned himself as an experienced centrist capable of governance during turbulent times, arguing Mamdani lacks practical experience. Mamdani, meanwhile, has energized younger and more progressive voters, emphasizing social justice, housing rights, and Palestinian solidarity.Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, under scrutiny for corruption scandals and Trump ties, remains on the November ballot but has lost significant public support. Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, a radio host and founder of the Guardian Angels, also returns to the race but faces an uphill battle in a heavily Democratic city.As temperatures soared past 100°F, voters across the city weighed ethics, policy, and ideology at the polls. While some, like Manhattan resident Nicolás Baldwin, chose Cuomo for his track record, others, like Queens librarian Leah Johanson, rejected him outright due to past allegations.The primary’s outcome will serve as a barometer for the Democratic Party’s future direction under the renewed influence of Donald Trump’s Republican presidency.
