By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Early voting in the New York City mayoral race saw a significantly higher turnout than in the 2021 election, with initial numbers heavily favoring Democrat candidate Zohran Mamdani. The boroughs where Mamdani won the primary election experienced the highest early voting numbers, potentially signaling a challenge for independent candidate Andrew Cuomo. Polls currently show Mamdani with a substantial lead, supported by high-profile endorsements and a platform focused on key policy areas. With the election still ahead, the high early turnout could be indicative of the election results, especially with the high turnout in Mamdani’s winning boroughs.
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Early turnout spike could spell trouble for Cuomo in NYC mayoral race, and honestly, it seems like a lot of folks are feeling pretty confident about that. It’s almost as if the early voting numbers, especially in those boroughs where his primary opponent, Zohran Mamdani, did well, are just the icing on the cake. The general consensus seems to be that Cuomo’s chances were already slim, perhaps even non-existent, before the first ballot was cast.
The thing is, Cuomo was already facing some significant headwinds. There’s a prevailing sentiment that his past and present actions, including his alleged behavior, are major strikes against him. Plus, there’s the perception that he’s been tainted by his association with Trump. Many people point to the fact that he lost the Democratic primary in a overwhelmingly Democratic city, and that, alone, speaks volumes. Add in the fact that polls consistently show him trailing, often by a significant margin. Ranked-choice voting might offer some nuances, but the overall picture isn’t pretty for him.
It’s almost like the city is sending a message. New Yorkers seem pretty clear about not wanting a candidate with Cuomo’s baggage. There’s a deep-seated feeling that he’s an establishment figure, potentially fueled by his past tenure as governor, that hasn’t resonated with voters. The fact that the establishment might have thought they could simply shove him down people’s throats seems to have backfired spectacularly.
The high voter turnout itself is a political statement. It signals an energized electorate that’s ready for change. There’s a clear desire for an alternative to the status quo, and Cuomo seems to represent everything they want to move away from. His campaign, and even any attempts at campaigning, haven’t been resonating with voters, the narrative has become that he’s out of touch.
Honestly, the whole situation is rather amusing to watch. It’s almost as if the political establishment and Trump are running scared. It seems like the overwhelming feeling is “good riddance” to the idea of Cuomo becoming mayor. The consistent polling numbers, the scandals, and the general lack of public support all point to a resounding rejection of his candidacy.
It’s not just the voting numbers, though. There’s a real sense of disgust with Cuomo’s actions and the idea of his return to a position of power. Some people mention his conduct, both past and present, as the primary reason for his downfall. The fact that he’s being painted as a “Trump asset” certainly doesn’t help his cause either. The overall mood is one of anticipation, waiting for the inevitable end, and possibly celebrating it.
The concerns about a spike in turnout are there, but the early numbers are already looking bad for him. There’s also the suggestion that if he does somehow manage to win, it will be due to underhanded tactics. The sense of entitlement associated with his campaign has also really turned off a lot of voters. His campaign seems to have forgotten the basic principles of running a successful campaign: You actually have to campaign, have policy stances, and be a likable person.
The hope is that Cuomo’s lack of success is a sign of an invigorated populace, and the result is a rare ray of hope for the working class and those who feel that the establishment has failed them. There’s a feeling that his downfall isn’t just about his personal shortcomings; it’s a rejection of the kind of politics he represents. There’s a feeling of satisfaction as voters seem to be saying “shove it” to the establishment.
The only real worry, it seems, might be the potential for some of the more elderly voters, particularly Black voters, to vote based on name recognition. However, even that concern seems outweighed by the overall momentum against Cuomo. In conclusion, the early voting turnout spike, combined with the other factors, is most definitely spelling trouble for Cuomo in the NYC mayoral race. It’s just a matter of time before the final results are in, and it looks like everyone will be watching with anticipation to see him lose.