New York mayoral election today: Muslim candidate Zohran ahead

The much-discussed mayoral election is being held in New York today (November 4, Tuesday). Early voting has already been completed, with a record number of votes cast. As election day approaches, extreme tension has arisen between Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani and his rivals. The latest poll shows that Mamdani is still far ahead of his closest rival, former Governor Andrew Cuomo.

However, US President Donald Trump has sharply criticized Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani ahead of the vote. In an interview with CBS News on Sunday (November 3), Trump said, “Mamdani is a communist, worse than a socialist.” He claimed, “He’s 33 years old, he’s probably never worked a day in his life. If Zohran wins, it would be terrible for New York.”

Trump also warned that if Mamdani is elected, New York's funding will be cut. In his words, "I will not send too much money to New York. We will not let our great city be destroyed; we will make it great again, crime-free."

On the other hand, Democratic candidate Mamdani has promised affordable food, clothing and housing for New Yorkers. His policy stance has resonated with young voters. Even former US President Barack Obama has endorsed Mamdani by phone and promised to advise him if he wins the election, according to his campaign team.

Mamdani ahead in the poll:
A joint poll by Emerson College, PIX 11 and The Hill shows Mamdani leading by 50 percent of the vote. His closest rival Cuomo has 25 percent and Republican candidate Curtis Sullivan has 21 percent of voters. Only 4 percent of voters are still undecided. The poll was conducted between October 25 and 27.

In the Marist New York City poll, Mamdani is leading Cuomo by 16 points and Sullivan by 32 points. His support among black voters has increased to 71 percent, and his popularity among voters under 50 is 69 percent.

Early voting record:
According to the Election Commission, a record number of people have voted early in this mayoral election—more than 735,000 people, the most in any election in New York except for the presidential election. About 151,000 voters, most of whom were young, voted last Sunday.

The excitement surrounding this mayoral election in New York is now at its peak. Trump's aggressive comments on one side, Obama's support on the other—all together, Zahran Mamdani is now at the center of American politics.