Zohran Mamdani’s NYC Mayoral Bid Intensifies Amid Endorsements, Threats, and Policy Scrutiny
New York City, June 20, 2025 — In the final stretch of New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary, Zohran Mamdani, the 33-year-old state assemblyman and democratic socialist, finds himself both rallying progressive support and weathering intense opposition as the city’s electorate prepares to cast their ballots.
Recent days have seen a surge in momentum for Mamdani, with Senator Bernie Sanders endorsing him as a “visionary” leader equipped to tackle the city’s complex challenges. This backing has energized progressive supporters and helped Mamdani nearly halve the lead of his main rival, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, according to recent Marist polling. The latest poll shows Cuomo ahead with 38% of likely voters, compared to Mamdani’s 27%, but the gap has narrowed significantly.
Despite his rise, Mamdani’s relative inexperience—three years in the State Assembly, a brief rap career, and work with his mother’s organization—has become a focal point for critics who question his readiness to govern. Security concerns have also escalated, with Mamdani reportedly hiring additional protection due to a “new level” of threats, reflecting the heightened tensions of the campaign.
The race has also drawn sharp reactions from the business community. Billionaire John Catsimatidis has threatened to close his Gristedes supermarket chain if Mamdani is elected, citing fears over the candidate’s economic proposals. A former Obama Treasury adviser has warned that Mamdani’s platform, which includes a $10 billion tax hike on businesses and the super-rich, could risk the city’s financial stability. Mamdani’s policies also call for a $30 minimum wage by 2030, building 200,000 new affordable homes, and making city buses free.
Attack ads funded by a super PAC linked to Cuomo have saturated local media. The super PAC has received $8.3 million from former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who has endorsed Cuomo and called him the most qualified candidate. Mamdani has slammed the spending as an affront to democracy and accused Cuomo of attempting to “buy the election”. In response, Cuomo has focused criticism on Mamdani’s refusal to condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada,” which many Jewish groups view as a call to violence, further polarizing the debate.
Mamdani has acknowledged past missteps on housing but now champions pro-housing policies, winning cautious support from some former skeptics. His campaign has canvassed over 150,000 doors in the past week, tapping into grassroots energy and support from figures like Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
As the June primary nears, Mamdani remains a polarizing figure—galvanizing progressives with bold policy proposals while facing staunch resistance from business leaders and moderates. The outcome of the race will hinge on whether Mamdani’s vision for a city that works for the working and middle class can overcome the powerful opposition arrayed against him.