When is the New York City mayoral election?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025, according to the New York City Board of Elections. Polls across the five boroughs will open at 6 am and close at 9 pm local time.

When does early voting end?

Early voting in New York City ends on Sunday, November 2. CBS News reported that more than 1,64,000 residents had already cast ballots during the first weekend, including over 50,000 each in Manhattan and Brooklyn and 38,000 in Queens.

Who are the main candidates?

The three candidates on the ballot are: Zohran Mamdani, Democratic nominee and state Assembly member from Astoria, Queens. Andrew Cuomo, former New York governor running as an independent. Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels and Republican nominee.

What are their main campaign themes?

Mamdani’s campaign focuses on affordability, free public transit, and universal healthcare. Cuomo emphasises public safety, housing, and governing competence, while Sliwa’s campaign revolves around crime reduction, bail reform rollback, and reopening Rikers Island.

What issues are top of mind for voters?

According to CBS News, affordability and public safety dominate voter concerns. Cuomo told the outlet, “There is an affordability crisis, and the real answer is to build more affordable housing — I’m going to build 500,000 additional units.” Sliwa, meanwhile, said, “I am the law-and-order candidate. That was clear in the debates.”

Who is leading in the polls?

While no official citywide poll has been released in the final week, Politico reported that Mamdani has maintained a double-digit lead over Cuomo and Sliwa, thanks to strong support among younger and working-class voters, particularly in Queens and Brooklyn.

What endorsements have shaped the race?

Mamdani has secured endorsements from prominent progressives Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Governor Kathy Hochul. Cuomo has been endorsed by former Mayor Eric Adams, while Sliwa is backed by several police and business associations.

What controversies have surfaced during the campaign?

The campaign has been marked by heated exchanges. Cuomo accused Mamdani of being “a divider” and “dangerous for New York City” over his past criticism of Israel, as reported by NBC New York. Mamdani responded that he supports Israel’s right to exist as a state with equal rights.

How can New Yorkers vote?

Voters can cast their ballots in person during early voting, on Election Day, or by absentee ballot. The Board of Elections website provides a polling place locator and details on eligibility for absentee voting.

Why is this election significant?

With the city recovering from economic pressures and a rising cost of living, the next mayor will shape policies on housing, safety, and infrastructure. Politico noted that Mamdani’s potential victory would put a democratic socialist in charge of America’s largest city.

New York City mayoral election 2025: Key dates, candidates and what to know

The race, widely seen as a test of voter sentiment ahead of next year’s midterms, has become a clash of ideologies.

By: Express Web Desk

October 27, 2025 10:30 AM IST

1 min read

From left, Andrew Cuomo, Zohran Mamdani and Curtis Sliwa at the second NYC mayoral debate in Queens on Oct 22, 2025. (Photo: The New York Times via AP, Pool)

New York City is gearing up for one of its most closely watched mayoral elections in recent years, with early voting already drawing tens of thousands to the polls. The contest has drawn national attention as three major contenders: Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa.

The race, widely seen as a test of voter sentiment ahead of next year’s midterms, has become a clash of ideologies. The campaign trail has been dominated by fiery debates, high-profile endorsements, and a surge in early voter turnout across all five boroughs.

Here’s a quick guide to what you need to know about the 2025 New York City mayoral election, from when and where to vote, to who’s running and what’s at stake.

01
When is the New York City mayoral election?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025, according to the New York City Board of Elections. Polls across the five boroughs will open at 6 am and close at 9 pm local time.
02
When does early voting end?
Early voting in New York City ends on Sunday, November 2. CBS News reported that more than 1,64,000 residents had already cast ballots during the first weekend, including over 50,000 each in Manhattan and Brooklyn and 38,000 in Queens.
03
Who are the main candidates?
The three candidates on the ballot are:
- Zohran Mamdani, Democratic nominee and state Assembly member from Astoria, Queens.
- Andrew Cuomo, former New York governor running as an independent.
- Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels and Republican nominee.
04
What are their main campaign themes?
Mamdani’s campaign focuses on affordability, free public transit, and universal healthcare. Cuomo emphasises public safety, housing, and governing competence, while Sliwa’s campaign revolves around crime reduction, bail reform rollback, and reopening Rikers Island.
05
What issues are top of mind for voters?
According to CBS News, affordability and public safety dominate voter concerns. Cuomo told the outlet, “There is an affordability crisis, and the real answer is to build more affordable housing — I’m going to build 500,000 additional units.” Sliwa, meanwhile, said, “I am the law-and-order candidate. That was clear in the debates.”
06
Who is leading in the polls?
While no official citywide poll has been released in the final week, Politico reported that Mamdani has maintained a double-digit lead over Cuomo and Sliwa, thanks to strong support among younger and working-class voters, particularly in Queens and Brooklyn.
07
What endorsements have shaped the race?
Mamdani has secured endorsements from prominent progressives Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Governor Kathy Hochul. Cuomo has been endorsed by former Mayor Eric Adams, while Sliwa is backed by several police and business associations.
08
What controversies have surfaced during the campaign?
The campaign has been marked by heated exchanges. Cuomo accused Mamdani of being “a divider” and “dangerous for New York City” over his past criticism of Israel, as reported by NBC New York. Mamdani responded that he supports Israel’s right to exist as a state with equal rights.
09
How can New Yorkers vote?
Voters can cast their ballots in person during early voting, on Election Day, or by absentee ballot. The Board of Elections website provides a polling place locator and details on eligibility for absentee voting.
10
Why is this election significant?
With the city recovering from economic pressures and a rising cost of living, the next mayor will shape policies on housing, safety, and infrastructure. Politico noted that Mamdani’s potential victory would put a democratic socialist in charge of America’s largest city.