New York mayoral race serves as pre-taste for Democratic’s 2028 battle

The race to determine who will lead New York City beginning Jan. 1 has evolved into one of the most closely watched political contests in the United States, not only for its implications on domestic issues but also for the surprising prominence of foreign policy — particularly Israel — in the debate, which has catapulted the NYC race well beyond American news cycles. 

Early voting began this weekend, with New Yorkers choosing between Democrat Zohran Mamdani, who currently leads in the polls; Republican Curtis Sliwa; and former NY Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent after losing the Democratic primary. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams remains on the ballot but withdrew last month, throwing his support behind Cuomo.

Polls suggest that the November 4 election will come down to a two-way race between Mamdani and Cuomo — a contest reflecting generational, ideological, and cultural divides, as Bloomberg reports. 

Voters face a choice between Mamdani’s “youthful energy” and Cuomo’s long-standing political experience, as well as between the democratic socialist left and the centrist establishment.

Key domestic issues — lack of affordable housing, crime rates, illegal immigration, education, and the cost-of-living crisis — have all defined the campaign, as was to be expected. 

Why Israel takes center stage in mayoral race

Yet in a city home to the largest Jewish population outside Israel, foreign policy has unexpectedly become a defining wedge in this municipal elections. The US relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and war in Gaza have sparked fierce debate and forced candidates to clarify their positions on Israel, an issue rarely central in elections on this level.

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo has reaffirmed his traditional pro-Israel stance, aligning with long-standing Democratic orthodoxy. “Being a Democrat,” he said in the early phases of the race, “it’s synonymous that you support Israel.” 

Cuomo’s statement, while in line with decades of New York political convention, underscores just how much the landscape may be shifting when compared to his rival Mamdani, who stands firmly outside that tradition. 

A 34-year-old state assembly member and self-described democratic socialist, Mamdani would be New York’s youngest mayor in a century — and its first South Asian and Muslim leader. Born to an Gujarati Muslim father and Hindu mother, who raised him partly in Uganda before moving to New York, he has made his progressive politics central to his campaign.

He is an outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights and has sharply criticized Israel’s military actions in Gaza, describing them as “genocide.” He has also called for a boycott of Israeli goods and pledged to arrest Prime Minister Netanyahu should he visit New York City, citing the outstanding International Criminal Court’s warrant against him. Such statements have galvanized younger, progressive voters while alienating traditional Democrats and many in the city’s Jewish community.

Cuomo, meanwhile, has tried to reassert himself as a steady hand in contrast to Mamdani’s insurgent leftism. The former governor, who left office in 2021 amid workplace misconduct allegations, insists his experience and centrist record make him better suited to lead a diverse and complex city. “I’ve always believed leadership means uniting people,” Cuomo has said, presenting himself as the candidate of stability.

Republican Curtis Sliwa, polling around 25 percent in a city where Democrats outnumber Republicans 6 to 1, has positioned himself as the law-and-order candidate. In the 1970s, he adopted his trademark red beret when he founded the Guardian Angels — a volunteer patrol group dedicated to improving subway safety. Later, in the 1990s, he launched a long-running radio career on WABC-AM, bolstered in part by his early backing of then–Mayor Rudy Giuliani. His campaign focuses largely on crime and public safety, though he has echoed some pro-Israel sentiments familiar among Republican voters.

Mayor Eric Adams’ withdrawal from the race following corruption allegations reshaped the contest, effectively turning it into a referendum on the future direction of the Democratic Party. With Adams endorsing Cuomo, the establishment has rallied to prevent what it sees as a radical turn under Mamdani.

Race seen as microcosm for Democrats' internal rift

Across the Hudson River in New Jersey, voters are watching their own closely contested gubernatorial race between Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill. 

Together, the two contests are seen as bellwethers for the Democratic Party’s internal identity struggle — between its traditional centrist roots and its increasingly vocal progressive wing — as it prepares to face Donald Trump’s MAGA movement in 2026.

By Nazrin Sadigova