NYC Mayoral Candidates Unveiled: Exploring Positions of Mamdani, Cuomo, and Sliwa on Key Issues

NYC Mayoral Race Heats Up: A Look at the Candidates and Key Issues

October 27, 2025

New York City is deeply engaged in a competitive mayoral election, with early voting numbers already exceeding those of the 2021 contest.The race to succeed outgoing Mayor Eric Adams features three prominent contenders: Zohran Mamdani, andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa, each offering a unique platform to address the city’s challenges.

The Candidates

Zohran Mamdani: A Progressive Vision

Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani is campaigning on a platform centered around affordability and public safety. He proposes the creation of a Department of Community Safety, with a focus on deploying mental health professionals to public spaces, including subway stations, at an estimated cost of $1 billion. His plan is backed by former NYPD Chief of Department rodney Harrison.

To fund his proposals, Mamdani advocates for increasing the corporate tax rate to 11.5%, aligning it with New Jersey’s rate, and implementing a 2% tax on individuals earning over $1 million annually.He also champions a rent freeze for stabilized units, free bus service, and global childcare.Mamdani has received an endorsement from the city’s largest teachers’ union and intends to eliminate the Gifted and Talented program for young students, contrasting with his opponents’ support for expansion.

Andrew Cuomo: Restoring New York’s Image

Former Governor Andrew Cuomo is running as an independent, emphasizing the need to restore New York City’s image and address concerns about safety and affordability. He proposes adding 5,000 police officers and cracking down on e-bike violations to enhance public safety. On the affordability front, Cuomo favors building 80,000 new affordable housing units and believes market forces will eventually address the cost of living crisis.

Cuomo’s return to the political arena comes after resigning from the governorship in 2021 amid allegations of sexual harassment, which he has denied. He also faced scrutiny regarding his management’s reporting of nursing home deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting a Justice Department inquiry.

Curtis Sliwa: A Law and Order approach

Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, known as the founder of the Guardian Angels, is campaigning on a “law and order” platform. He pledges to add 7,000 officers to the NYPD. Sliwa, who previously ran for mayor in 2021, presents himself as a pragmatic leader, citing the need to combine approaches inspired by former mayors Rudy Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg. He is also a vocal advocate for animal rights, proposing the elimination of horse-drawn carriages and kill shelters citywide.

Key Issues Facing new York City

Recent polling data indicates that affordability is the foremost concern for New York City voters, with 37% identifying it as their top issue, followed by crime and safety at 31%.The candidates are responding to these concerns with distinct proposals aimed at addressing the city’s most pressing challenges.

Candidate	Key Proposals
Zohran Mamdani	Department of Community Safety, Rent Freeze, Free Bus Service, Increased Taxes on Corporations/High Earners
Andrew Cuomo	Increased Police Force, Affordable Housing Development, Restore City’s Image
Curtis Sliwa	Increased Police Force, Animal Rights Advocacy, Law and Order Policies

Did You Know? Early voting numbers in this election cycle have surpassed those from 2021, indicating heightened voter engagement.

Pro Tip: Stay informed about the candidates’ positions on issues that matter most to you by visiting their official campaign websites.

The Evolving Landscape of NYC Politics

New York City’s mayoral elections have always been pivotal moments, reflecting the city’s diverse population and complex challenges. The current race is especially meaningful as it comes at a time of economic recovery and social change. The need for affordable housing, public safety improvements, and efficient public services remains paramount for New York City residents. The long-term impacts of the candidates’ proposed policies will shape the city’s trajectory for years to come.

Frequently asked Questions about the NYC Mayoral Race

• What are the key issues in the NYC mayoral race? The primary issues are affordability, crime, public safety, and the future of public education.
• Who are the leading candidates in the 2025 NYC mayoral race? The leading candidates are Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa.
• What is Zohran Mamdani’s stance on public safety? Mamdani proposes creating a Department of community Safety with a focus on mental health support.
• What is andrew Cuomo’s plan for affordable housing? Cuomo advocates for building 80,000 new affordable housing units.
• What is Curtis Sliwa’s approach to crime? Sliwa proposes increasing the number of police officers in the city.
• How does early voting impact the NYC mayoral election? Early voting provides more opportunities for citizens to participate in the democratic process and can shift the dynamics of the election.
• What is the role of endorsements in the mayoral campaigns? Endorsements from influential organizations, like unions or political figures, can substantially impact a candidate’s visibility and support.

How might Ibrahim Mamdani’s proposed “Green New Deal” for NYC impact the city’s long-term economic competitiveness compared too Curtis Sliwa’s focus on tax reduction?

Affordable Housing in New York City: A candidate Comparison

The escalating cost of living in New York City, particularly housing, remains a central concern for voters. Each candidate – Ibrahim Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa – proposes distinct approaches to address this crisis. Understanding their plans is crucial for informed voting.

* Ibrahim Mamdani: Advocates for substantially expanding social housing, funded through progressive taxation and curbing real estate speculation. His platform emphasizes tenant protections and preventing displacement, particularly in historically marginalized communities. He supports universal rent control and increased investment in NYCHA (New York City Housing authority).

* Andrew Cuomo: Focuses on incentivizing private developers to include affordable units in new construction projects. He proposes streamlining the permitting process for affordable housing developments and utilizing state land for housing initiatives. Cuomo also champions tenant protections but leans towards market-based solutions alongside government subsidies.

* Curtis sliwa: Presents a more conservative approach, prioritizing tax incentives for landlords who offer affordable units and reducing regulations he deems burdensome to developers. He emphasizes addressing the root causes of homelessness through job training and mental health services,rather than solely focusing on housing construction. Sliwa also proposes exploring alternative housing models like micro-units.

Public Safety and Policing: Contrasting Visions for NYC

Public safety is a paramount issue, especially in the wake of recent crime trends. The candidates diverge significantly on their strategies for policing and community safety.

* Ibrahim Mamdani: Calls for substantial police reform, including defunding the NYPD and reinvesting those funds into community-based violence prevention programs, mental health services, and affordable housing.He emphasizes addressing systemic racism within the criminal justice system and prioritizing restorative justice practices.

* Andrew Cuomo: Supports a more moderate approach to police reform, advocating for increased training, accountability, and community policing initiatives. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong police presence while also addressing underlying social and economic factors that contribute to crime. Cuomo also supports targeted interventions to address gun violence.

* Curtis Sliwa: Takes a staunchly pro-police stance, advocating for increased funding for the NYPD, reversing recent reforms he believes have hampered law enforcement, and cracking down on crime. He proposes reinstating stop-and-frisk policies (with modifications) and increasing penalties for repeat offenders.

Education Reform: Investing in New York City’s Future

The future of New York city’s public school system is a key battleground. each candidate offers a different vision for improving educational outcomes.

* Ibrahim Mamdani: Advocates for fully funding public schools, reducing class sizes, and increasing teacher salaries. He supports expanding access to early childhood education and implementing culturally responsive curriculum. Mamdani also calls for ending standardized testing and investing in vocational training programs.

* Andrew Cuomo: Focuses on improving school quality through charter school expansion, teacher accountability measures, and increased funding for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. He supports providing parents with more school choice options and utilizing technology to enhance learning.

* Curtis Sliwa: Prioritizes school safety and discipline, advocating for increased security measures and stricter codes of conduct.He supports expanding vocational training programs and partnering with businesses to provide students with real-world work experience. Sliwa also emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in education.

Transportation and Infrastructure: Navigating the City

New York City’s aging infrastructure and congested transportation system require significant investment and innovative solutions.

* ibrahim Mamdani: Champions expanding public transportation,including the subway and bus systems,and making them free for all riders. He supports investing in bike lanes and pedestrian infrastructure and prioritizing lasting transportation options.

* Andrew Cuomo: Focuses on modernizing the existing transportation infrastructure,including upgrading the subway system and improving bus service. He supports congestion pricing and utilizing technology to optimize traffic flow. Cuomo also advocates for expanding access to electric vehicle charging stations.

* Curtis Sliwa: Prioritizes improving the reliability and safety of the subway system and addressing the issue of fare evasion. He supports exploring alternative transportation options, such as ferries and bus rapid transit, and reducing traffic congestion through improved traffic management.

Economic Recovery: Rebuilding Post-Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on New York City’s economy. the candidates offer different strategies for stimulating economic recovery.

* Ibrahim Mamdani: Advocates for a “Green New Deal” for New York City, investing in renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and green jobs. he supports raising the minimum wage and providing universal basic income to help struggling families.

* Andrew Cuomo: Focuses on attracting businesses back to New York City through tax incentives and regulatory reforms. He supports investing in workforce development programs and promoting tourism. Cuomo also emphasizes the importance of supporting small businesses.

* Curtis Sliwa: Prioritizes reducing taxes and regulations to make New York City more business-pleasant. He supports attracting new industries to the city and creating job opportunities for residents. Sliwa also emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships.

Understanding the Candidates’ Backgrounds: A Fast Overview

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