The Battle for New York City's Mayor: Who Will Decide?

New York City's mayoral race is heating up, and it's not just about the main candidates. It's about the people who will decide the outcome. Four times as many people voted early this year compared to 2021. Over 107, 000 new voters registered this year, showing that many people are engaged and ready to make their voices heard. The race is tight, with Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani leading in the polls. But can he win over the key groups that will decide the election? Let's take a look at the groups that could make or break his campaign. Faith voters are a big deal in New York City. The war between Israel and Hamas has become a major issue for many Jewish communities. Mamdani has faced criticism for his views on the conflict, but he has also gained support from those who share his concerns. He has also faced Islamophobic attacks, but he has stood firm in his beliefs and has campaigned heavily in Muslim communities. Black voters have traditionally been a reliable voting bloc for the Democratic Party. But in this election, they did not carry Cuomo to victory. Mamdani has been working hard to build relationships with Black New Yorkers and has gained some meaningful endorsements. He has also found an ally in civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton, who has condemned the Islamophobic attacks against him. South Asian voters are a growing force in New York City politics. Their turnout increased by roughly 40 percent between the 2021 mayoral primary and the 2025 contest. Mamdani has gained support from prominent South Asian elected officials, and if he wins, he would be the city's first South Asian mayor. Cuomo has also tried to make inroads with this group, but his efforts have been somewhat clumsy. Young voters are another key group in this election. Mamdani's social media savvy and promises of a four-year rent freeze have brought thousands of young people out to canvass and vote for him. The transient nature of young voters makes it hard to predict their impact, but Mamdani's campaign has been working hard to engage them. Finally, there are the flexible Republicans. Nearly two-thirds of New York City voters are registered Democrats, but the city is still home to a sizable Republican voting base. Cuomo and Sliwa see an opening there and have been making entreaties to conservative voters.