As of November 4, 2025, the question on everyone’s mind — who is winning the NYC mayoral race — has a clear and decisive answer: Zohran Mamdani. The progressive Democrat and current New York State Assemblyman is leading the race by a significant margin, with early returns and polling data showing him ahead of both Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, and Curtis Sliwa, the Republican contender.
This year’s mayoral election has captured national attention. It’s not just about who will lead America’s largest city — it’s about the direction New York will take in the next decade.
Table of Contents
A Heated Contest in the Nation’s Largest City
The 2025 New York City mayoral race has been one of the most closely watched elections in years. The contest features three distinct political figures, each representing a different vision for the city’s future.
- Zohran Mamdani, representing the Democratic Party, has positioned himself as the voice of progress, equity, and generational change.
- Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, has framed himself as a stabilizing force with years of political experience.
- Curtis Sliwa, a Republican and founder of the Guardian Angels, focuses on restoring law and order while appealing to conservative voters.
From housing affordability to public safety, each candidate has sought to address the deep challenges New Yorkers face. But based on all credible indicators, Mamdani has succeeded in shaping the narrative of this election — and winning the confidence of a diverse electorate.
Latest Updates and Polling Trends
In the final weeks of the campaign, multiple independent polls consistently placed Mamdani ahead by double digits. Early voting numbers confirmed his momentum, with especially strong turnout among young voters, working-class communities, and first-time voters.
| Candidate | Approximate Support | Party/Status |
|---|---|---|
| Zohran Mamdani | 45% – 48% | Democrat |
| Andrew Cuomo | 30% – 33% | Independent |
| Curtis Sliwa | 15% – 17% | Republican |
While official results are still being finalized, Mamdani’s campaign has shown a steady lead in every major borough except Staten Island, where Sliwa continues to perform well.
Why Zohran Mamdani Is Leading
Several factors explain why Zohran Mamdani is currently winning the NYC mayoral race:
1. A Ground-Up Campaign
Mamdani’s campaign has built a powerful grassroots movement. He focused on door-to-door outreach, local town halls, and community organizing — particularly in Queens and Brooklyn. His personal connection with voters and commitment to affordability struck a chord with everyday New Yorkers.
2. Housing and Affordability
Housing has dominated this election, and Mamdani’s plan to expand affordable housing, cap rent increases, and increase investment in public housing resonated widely. Many voters, feeling the pinch of rising rents and stagnant wages, see him as the candidate most likely to deliver meaningful reform.
3. Progressive Momentum
New York City has long been a center for progressive activism, and Mamdani has effectively harnessed that energy. His progressive stance on climate change, healthcare access, and public transit aligns with the city’s younger demographic, who have turned out in record numbers.
4. A Divided Opposition
Cuomo’s decision to run as an independent divided moderate and centrist voters. While his name recognition remains high, his campaign never gained sufficient traction among progressive or undecided voters. Meanwhile, Sliwa’s conservative approach appeals to a narrow base, limiting his overall support.
Andrew Cuomo’s Bid to Return to Power
Andrew Cuomo’s entry into the mayoral race reshaped the political landscape earlier this year. Once a dominant figure in New York politics, Cuomo attempted a comeback by presenting himself as an experienced leader capable of restoring balance and order to City Hall.
His campaign emphasized pragmatic governance, economic recovery, and a return to traditional politics. However, public sentiment largely favored new leadership. Many voters associated Cuomo with the political establishment and controversies from his time as governor.
While he retains solid support among older and more moderate voters, particularly in Manhattan, the momentum of change has outpaced his appeal in 2025.
Curtis Sliwa’s Persistent Voice for Conservatives
Curtis Sliwa, known for founding the Guardian Angels, has run an energetic campaign focused on public safety and crime prevention. His platform includes increased police funding, stricter penalties for repeat offenders, and stronger neighborhood patrol programs.
Although Sliwa has a passionate base in Staten Island and parts of Queens, his challenge has always been demographics. With New York’s overwhelmingly Democratic voter base, his ability to break through has remained limited. Nonetheless, he continues to influence the public safety debate, ensuring that crime remains a key issue in the political conversation.
Key Issues Driving the Election
Housing and Cost of Living
No issue looms larger than housing. Over 65% of New Yorkers rent their homes, and skyrocketing rents have made affordability the top priority. Mamdani’s proposed rent stabilization measures, along with new affordable housing projects, have gained wide support.
Public Safety
Safety remains a priority, especially in business districts and outer boroughs. Cuomo and Sliwa have both attacked Mamdani’s “reformist” approach, arguing it could weaken law enforcement. Mamdani, however, emphasizes a “community-first” model — investing in mental health services, youth programs, and economic opportunity to reduce crime long-term.
Public Transportation
Mamdani’s proposal for reduced-fare or free public transit has sparked enthusiasm among low-income commuters. Cuomo, by contrast, has focused on modernizing infrastructure without significant fare reductions.
Economic Inequality
Post-pandemic inequality continues to shape politics. Mamdani’s economic platform — centered on small business support, labor rights, and fair wages — has appealed to both workers and younger entrepreneurs.
Voter Turnout and Demographic Shifts
Turnout has surged citywide, especially among younger and first-time voters. Early voting reports show particularly high engagement in Brooklyn and Queens — boroughs that heavily favor Mamdani.
Older and wealthier voters, who tend to lean more moderate, have shown lower turnout compared to the energized progressive base. Communities of color, immigrant families, and lower-income residents are also voting in higher numbers than previous elections, adding to Mamdani’s advantage.
National Attention and Political Stakes
The NYC mayoral race has drawn significant national attention, symbolizing the growing tension between progressive and centrist wings of the Democratic Party. Prominent political figures and media outlets across the country have framed this election as a bellwether for urban politics nationwide.
Former President Donald Trump recently criticized Mamdani’s platform, calling it “too radical,” while progressive leaders praised his approach as the “future of city governance.” The intensity of debate reflects how influential New York’s political direction remains for the rest of the nation.
What Happens Next
With results still being counted, the road ahead depends on whether Mamdani can maintain his substantial lead once absentee and late ballots are tallied. If his victory holds, he will become one of the youngest and most progressive mayors in New York’s history.
Mamdani’s potential win could reshape how New York addresses housing, public safety, and climate issues — and may set an example for other large U.S. cities navigating similar challenges.
If Cuomo closes the gap, the outcome could lead to recounts or legal challenges, especially in districts with high independent voter participation. But at this point, Mamdani’s lead appears strong enough to withstand last-minute shifts.
A City on the Brink of Change
This election has revealed a city eager for transformation. For many New Yorkers, the choice goes beyond party lines — it’s about what kind of city they want to live in. Mamdani’s promise of a “fairer, more livable New York” has captured imaginations, while Cuomo’s and Sliwa’s campaigns highlight the concerns of those who fear the pace of change.
Regardless of who takes office, the next mayor will inherit pressing challenges: housing shortages, public safety concerns, climate resilience, and economic inequality. But tonight, it appears clear that voters have chosen to place their trust in a new generation of leadership.
Zohran Mamdani is currently winning the NYC mayoral race, holding a commanding lead as results continue to roll in. His blend of progressive ideals, grassroots energy, and practical reform has put him in a strong position to become the city’s next mayor — signaling a potential turning point in New York’s political future.
New York City stands on the edge of change — and as the votes are counted, residents everywhere are watching to see what kind of city will emerge next. Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for the final results!