Democrat socialist Zohran Mamdani’s supporters remain undeterred by his policies, including government-run groceries, free buses, rent freezes, anti-policing rhetoric, or his refusal to condemn antisemitic “global the intifada” chants. However, his lack of experience has raised doubts ahead of Tuesday’s New York City mayoral election, according to The New York Times.
“I’m not sure that he has the experience to deal with what’s going on in this city, of all cities,” Sue Ann Todhunter told the Times, despite planning to vote for him. In a Democratic-controlled city where low-turnout elections are historically won by Democrats, Mamdani faces a contrast with former governor Andrew Cuomo, who was disgraced over sexual harassment allegations, and Curtis Sliwa, a Republican nominee.
A Quinnipiac University poll found that nearly half of New York City voters question Mamdani’s qualifications despite his strong lead. Only 39% believed he had the right experience, while 47% disagreed. In contrast, 73% viewed Cuomo as experienced, and just 24% felt the same about Sliwa.
Cuomo has positioned experience as central to his campaign, warning that Mamdani’s inexperience could “kill New York City.” He also claims he would better counter President Donald Trump, who has threatened to withhold federal funding and labeled Mamdani “my little communist mayor.”
If elected, Mamdani would become the city’s youngest mayor in over a century. He has pledged to retain NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch and promised a “seasoned” team at City Hall. While some voters see his youth as refreshing, others fear the challenges of managing a $112 billion budget and 300,000 employees.
A Queens supporter noted, “This is his first time doing something of this level,” while another described Mamdani as “green.” Sliwa accused Democrats of ignoring the city’s problems, stating, “Voting Democrat is what led to the issues the city faces.” He vowed to fight for New York, declaring, “Republicans don’t surrender. They don’t retreat, and they don’t drop out.”
