Zohran Mamdani and former Governor Andrew Cuomo are locked in a tight contest as the Democratic primary nears, with supporters on both sides hoping for an upset. The showdown pits a three-term state assemblyman against a political dynasty in one of the nation’s most-watched races.
As reported by Daily Mail, Mamdani has vaulted ahead in the Democratic primary race on Polymarket, pulling even with or overtaking Cuomo just one day before voters head to the polls.
Market indicators show Mamdani with a 61 percent chance of winning, marking a dramatic reversal from late May, when Cuomo held a 91 percent probability. That shift in backing comes amid growing enthusiasm for progressive policies and frustration with Albany’s status quo. Observers point to Mamdani’s rapid rise as evidence of changing priorities among Democratic voters in the city.
Predictions from Polymarket gave Cuomo a near-certain victory only weeks ago, reflecting his name recognition and three-term governorship. Those odds plummeted as Mamdani gained endorsements and media attention across diverse boroughs.
On Monday, betting markets showed Mamdani as the favorite, demonstrating how quickly sentiment can swing in a ranked-choice system. Analysts attribute the shift to voter concerns over housing affordability and police reform.
The sudden turnaround highlights the volatility of political betting markets and suggests that grassroots energy can outweigh establishment ties when an electorate feels underserved.
Before entering politics, Mamdani pursued a rap career under the moniker Mr. Cardamom, releasing music videos that have resurfaced online. In one clip, he performs shirtless, showcasing his early ambitions and artistic flair.
In 2019, he announced on social media, “I’ll be forever spicy, but I’m taking a break from being a spice to answer the question of what happens when a B-list rapper runs for office.” That candid statement captured attention and set the stage for his shift to public service.
His transition from music to politics underscores a personal journey rooted in community organizing and advocacy, reflecting a broader trend of nontraditional candidates reshaping local and national contests.
Mamdani’s platform calls for rent freezes, a free city bus service, universal childcare and city-subsidized grocery stores, funded by higher taxes on the wealthy. Those sweeping proposals have drawn both praise from progressives and skepticism from centrist Democrats.
He has secured endorsements from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, bolstering his progressive credentials. Their backing signals a cohesive effort among the party’s left wing to advance transformative policies at the municipal level.
Critics, however, accuse him of alienating Jewish voters with pro-Palestinian rhetoric. “When someone spends years relentlessly targeting the world’s only Jewish state through legislation, boycotts and protests — while remaining silent on the abuses of regimes like Iran, China or Russia — it’s not principled criticism, it’s antisemitism, plain and simple,” Sam Berger, a Jewish Democrat, said.
Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old assemblyman born in Uganda and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, would become New York City’s first Muslim and first Indian-American mayor if elected. His rapid ascent poses a threat to Cuomo’s bid for political redemption after the former governor resigned amid a sexual harassment scandal.
Despite his surge, Mamdani must navigate a voter base still wary of drastic change and win over the roughly 24 percent of residents spending half their income on rent. He needs support from state lawmakers and Governor Kathy Hochul to implement his plans, yet many have already dismissed his tax proposals as unrealistic.
The Democratic primary takes place tomorrow, and the winner will face independent incumbent Eric Adams, who is not on the Democratic ballot, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. The contest’s outcome will shape whether New York City embraces Mamdani’s bold vision or opts for more traditional leadership next fall.
