NYC Mayor Race: Insights Into Each Candidate's Behind-the-Scenes Story, Giving You the Edge in Your Vote

New York City, a city known for its dynamic political landscape, has seen a shift in leadership and local politics in recent years.

Eric Adams, the current mayor of New York City, took office in 2022, bringing an enthusiasm and "swagger" that greatly contrasted with his predecessor, Bill de Blasio. Adams served as Brooklyn borough president from 2013 to 2021 and previously held positions as a Brooklyn state Senator (2006-2012) and a police officer. However, his mayoralty was derailed by external and internal challenges, including a migrant crisis and a series of corruption scandals.

One of Adams' major accomplishments includes double-digit drops in shooting and murder rates, passing a massive zoning overhaul known as "City of Yes," and launching a push to containerize the city's trash. He also faced a now-dismissed federal indictment last fall, alleging illegal foreign campaign donations and luxury travel perks in exchange for official favors. Questions have been raised about how much time Adams spends at a co-op he co-owns with his long-time partner in Fort Lee, NJ, in light of his residency in Gracie Mansion, the mayor's official residence, and his row house in Brooklyn.

Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, represents western Queens neighborhoods since 2021. Mamdani broke into local politics by working on several campaigns, including managing Ross Barkan's failed 2018 state Senate bid. He co-founded the college's chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine and graduated from Bowdoin College in Maine in 2014 with a Bachelor's Degree in Africana Studies. After graduating from college, Mamdani worked as a housing foreclosure prevention counselor.

Mamdani won the primary with an affordability-focused platform that includes proposals like making city buses free, freezing rent increases for the city's nearly one million stabilized tenants, and implementing universal free child care. His signature legislative accomplishment was passing a nearly one-year pilot program making MTA bus routes in each of the five boroughs free. Mamdani proposes funding his expensive platform by getting the state to raise taxes on millionaires and corporations.

However, Mamdani has faced criticism over his relative lack of experience, socialist ideology, ties to the DSA, and opposition to Israel. He was elected as the first South Asian man to serve in Albany's lower chamber in 2020.

Andrew Cuomo, New York's governor from 2011 to 2021, completed several major infrastructure projects, including the first leg of the Second Avenue Subway, an overhaul of LaGuardia Airport, and Moynihan Train Hall. His nearly decade-long tenure was marked by significant policy wins, such as legalizing gay marriage and raising the statewide minimum wage to $15 an hour.

However, Cuomo faced two major scandals in early 2021, including allegations of bullying and running a toxic work environment, and undercounting COVID-19 nursing home deaths. He drew the national spotlight during the COVID-19 pandemic for his daily televised briefings.

In the ever-changing landscape of New York City politics, these figures represent a mix of successes, challenges, and ongoing debates. As the city moves forward, the impact of their policies and leadership will continue to shape the city's future.

NYC Mayor Race: Insights Into Each Candidate's Behind-the-Scenes Story, Giving You the Edge in Your Vote