Mamdani Leads Amid Historic NYC Early Voting

More than 735,000 New Yorkers cast ballots during nine days of early voting, and experts say turnout could reach an historic 1.5–2 million voters. Democratic front‑runner Zohran Mamdani is leading by double digits in many polls and betting markets and has campaigned on sweeping affordability and public‑services plans including rent freezes, large publicly owned housing expansions, free bus service and universal early childcare. The race is a three‑way contest with former Gov. Andrew Cuomo running as an independent and Republican Curtis Sliwa also on the ballot, and some polls show margins tightening as older early‑voters reshape dynamics. Mamdani faces controversy over past comments and a campaign photo with an imam prosecutors tied to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, and some Black and longtime residents question his public‑safety approach and handling of displacement. National Democrats have been cautious: former President Barack Obama privately praised Mamdani and offered to be a “sounding board,” while progressive figures including Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez campaigned for him and other prominent Democrats withheld endorsements or backed Cuomo. With Election Day imminent, candidates are crisscrossing the city and turnout among swing blocs such as older and Black voters could determine the outcome.