The 2025 New York City mayoral primaries are shaping up to be one of the most competitive political races in recent memory, with three high-profile candidates — Zohran Mamdani, Curtis Sliwa, and Andrew Cuomo — each presenting vastly different visions for the future of America’s largest city.
Progressive Push: Zohran Mamdani’s Urban Renewal Agenda
State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, a progressive Democrat representing Queens, has gained momentum among younger voters and working-class communities. His platform focuses on affordable housing, public transit reform, and climate resilience. Mamdani’s proposal to eliminate bus fares and expand rent stabilization has drawn both praise and criticism — supporters hail it as transformative for equity, while critics question its fiscal sustainability.
“New York should be a city for everyone, not just for the wealthy,” Mamdani said during a campaign stop in Harlem.
Conservative Comeback: Curtis Sliwa’s Law-and-Order Platform
On the Republican side, Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels and former 2021 mayoral candidate, is emphasizing public safety and crime prevention as central pillars of his campaign. Sliwa argues that recent increases in street crime and subway incidents reflect what he calls “a leadership vacuum” at City Hall.
“People are afraid to ride the subway again — that’s unacceptable,” Sliwa declared during a rally in Midtown, promising to increase NYPD patrols and roll back sanctuary city policies.
Centrist Return: Andrew Cuomo’s Bid for Redemption
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has reemerged as a centrist contender, pitching himself as a “steady hand” to restore confidence in city governance. Despite lingering controversies from his resignation in 2021, Cuomo is banking on his long record in crisis management and infrastructure projects to appeal to moderate Democrats and older voters.
“New York needs competence, not chaos,” Cuomo said in a recent televised debate, positioning himself as a pragmatic alternative to both ideological extremes.
A Divided Electorate
Polls show the race tightening, with Mamdani leading among voters under 35, Cuomo performing strongly in Manhattan and Staten Island, and Sliwa consolidating conservative support in outer boroughs. Analysts predict that voter turnout and endorsements from key unions could determine the final outcome.
The primary elections, scheduled for November 2025, will decide which candidates advance to the general election early next year. With housing affordability, crime, and transportation at the forefront, the race is becoming a referendum on what kind of city New York wants to be in the post-pandemic era.
