Context:

The New York City mayoral race is intensifying as the Democratic primary approaches, with candidates seeking last-minute endorsements and engaging in strategic cross-endorsements, particularly to challenge Andrew Cuomo's frontrunner status. Zohran Mamdani, who has received notable endorsements from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, is the target of a $5.4 million attack ad funded by a pro-Cuomo super PAC, aiming to depict him as a radical. Despite the absence of an endorsement from The New York Times, candidates interpret the editorial board's opinions to their advantage, while Cuomo's campaign utilizes its substantial financial backing to maintain a competitive edge. Polls indicate that while Cuomo leads, he may not achieve the necessary 50% in the first round, which could lead to a ranked-choice voting scenario. The race is characterized by stark contrasts in voter preferences and a notable increase in early voting turnout compared to previous years, highlighting the significant public interest and stakes involved in this election cycle.

Dive Deeper:

• In the final week before the Democratic primary for New York City's mayoral race, candidates are aggressively seeking endorsements and forming strategic alliances to bolster their chances in the ranked-choice voting system, where Zohran Mamdani has emerged as a key contender against Andrew Cuomo.

• A pro-Cuomo super PAC has launched a $5.4 million attack ad campaign against Mamdani, portraying him as a radical, and misrepresenting his policies on policing and homelessness, which Mamdani has denounced as Islamophobic and misleading.

• The lack of an endorsement from The New York Times editorial board has led candidates to selectively highlight favorable mentions from the board's opinion piece, with Cuomo using it to criticize Mamdani and others claiming implicit support.

• Polling data suggests Cuomo is leading but unlikely to secure an outright victory in the first round, necessitating the ranked-choice voting process to determine the winner, as Mamdani gains momentum through recent endorsements.

• Early voting turnout has more than doubled compared to the previous election cycle, reflecting heightened voter engagement and polarized opinions, with some voters adamantly supporting Cuomo for his experience, while others favor Mamdani's youthful energy and progressive ideas.