Cuomo, Mamdani Vie in NYC Mayoral Primary Amidst Ideological Divide

New York, Jun 24 (AP): New York City Democrats are gearing up for a pivotal mayoral primary on Tuesday, where they will choose between reviving the political career of Andrew Cuomo, backing liberal newcomer Zohran Mamdani, or opting for one of several lesser-known candidates who might be less polarizing.

The election could offer insights into the type of leadership Democrats are seeking in President Donald Trump's second term.

This vote occurs on a blisteringly hot day, four years after Cuomo stepped down as governor amid a sexual harassment scandal. In spite of this, the 67-year-old has been leading the race, thanks to his extensive experience, widespread name recognition, robust political ties, and formidable fundraising abilities.

The party’s progressive faction has rallied behind Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist. Once an obscure state legislator, Mamdani has gained traction by focusing sharply on the city’s high cost of living and garnering endorsements from prominent progressives, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders.

Preliminary results will be announced after polls close at 9 p.m. Tuesday, but the city’s ranked choice voting system means a winner may not be clear for a week.

If no candidate receives a majority as the first choice, rankings won’t be tallied until July 1.

The primary victor will take on incumbent Mayor Eric Adams in the general election. Adams, a Democrat, is running as an independent following backlash over his corruption indictment and its dismissal by Trump’s Justice Department. Republican Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, will also be on the general ballot.

The contest’s two main contenders — a young progressive and an older moderate — mirror the Democratic Party’s ideological divide. However, Cuomo’s scandal-ridden past adds complexity to the narrative.

The other candidates have struggled to stand out. Almost all position themselves as best equipped to counter Trump’s Republican agenda.

Comptroller Brad Lander gained attention last week when detained for linking arms with a man federal agents attempted to apprehend at an immigration court, though it’s unclear whether this incident will boost his struggling campaign.

Other candidates include City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, state Sen. Zellnor Myrie, hedge fund executive Whitney Tilson, and former city Comptroller Scott Stringer.

Mamdani’s dynamic campaign is impossible to ignore. His youthful canvassers have tirelessly canvassed for support, placing posters around the city and flooding social media with videos advocating free buses, childcare, housing, a higher minimum wage, funded by new taxes on the wealthy. If elected, Mamdani would become the city's first Indian-American and Muslim mayor.

Cuomo and others have labeled Mamdani as inexperienced, arguing he lacks the managerial skill to govern the city and address emergencies. Critics also target his stance on Palestinian rights.

Mamdani, in turn, has criticized Cuomo's scandalous past and pandemic management. In a fiery debate, Cuomo cited Mamdani's perceived deficits, asserting he lacks congressional, union, and infrastructure management experience, questioning his ability to confront Trump.

Mamdani rebutted, "To Mr. Cuomo, I have never had to resign in disgrace."

Cuomo resigned in 2021 after a state attorney general's report found he had harassed at least 11 women. He asserts no intentional wrongdoing, attributing it to outdated workplace norms.

Throughout his campaign, Cuomo has intensified his self-defense, arguing the controversy was a politically motivated plot by adversaries.

The ordeal at City Hall with Mayor Eric Adams provides Cuomo an opportunity to re-enter politics.

(AP)

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