Overview
- Mamdani remains ahead in public surveys, including a late‑September poll showing him at 45% to Cuomo’s 27%, positioning him to potentially win without majority support.
- Cuomo used appearances on The View and Fox programs to argue a Mamdani victory would be a “gift” to President Trump and even invite a federal takeover, while also attacking Mamdani’s experience and policy agenda.
- Cuomo renewed criticism of Mamdani’s pledge to have the NYPD arrest Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, calling it legally baseless, and pressed him to denounce the “globalize the intifada” slogan that Mamdani says he discourages but won’t condemn.
- Mamdani faced new questions over photos with Ugandan official Rebecca Kadaga, whose anti‑LGBTQ record drew backlash; his campaign said he posed unknowingly and would not have done so if aware of her role.
- Business leaders reported unease after Mamdani told them he would raise taxes on the wealthy and corporations to fund proposals, even as state control over tax rates and Gov. Kathy Hochul’s stated resistance to major hikes constrain such plans, and DNC support remains cautious with key federal Democrats withholding endorsements.