NYC mayor election heads to polls for primary Election Day
It's primary Election Day in New York City and, just like the sweltering temperatures, it's been a heated Democratic primary between the 11 candidates vying to replace Mayor Eric Adams.
Even the scorching summer sun couldn't deter the political fervor of gripping the Big Apple.
New Yorkers appear to be energized, too. More than 384,000 ballots were cast during early voting, which is more than double the total from four years ago. The Board of Elections said that, as of 3 p.m., the total amount of votes cast in the primary had exceeded 710,000, including early voting and Primary Day voting. That number was expected to climb as they day went on.
As of 3 p.m. Tuesday, the Board of Elections said total primary voting check ins were:
- Manhattan - 216,566
- Bronx - 68,872
- Brooklyn - 261,046
- Queens - 142,693
- Staten Island - 21,681
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, and the Board of Elections says it's prepared for the heat with plenty of water and fans to keep voters cool.
Voters seemed to be a bit sluggish Tuesday getting to the polls amid the oppressive heat wave, but those who did turn out told CBS News New York they felt enthusiastic about their choice.
"I think there is also just so much energy coming out of wanting to rebel against the Trump administration and wanting to be more politically active," voter David Demoya said.
Voters said issues like affordability, housing, and immigration drove them to the polls, in addition to the question of who will be best suited to take on Mayor Eric Adams, who is running for reelection as an independent in the November general election.
"I won't say his entire tenure was terrible, but from the issues that were brought about some of the misconduct and all of the things that happened in his cabinet, we're in need of a change," voter Pascale Solon.
Cuomo, Mamdani share their final messages for voters
Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the frontrunner in the race according to most polls, cast his ballot on the East Side Tuesday. Many of his recent attacks have been directed at state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, who polls show has closed in on Cuomo. A poll released Monday showed Mamdani beating Cuomo as ranked choice voting rounds went on, though Team Cuomo dismissed that poll as an outlier.
Cuomo, who is hoping to stage a political comeback after a sexual harassment scandal, is running as a moderate with proven leadership experience.
Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, started off relatively unknown but quickly gained popularity with a campaign focused on improving the cost of living.
Cuomo has blasted his opponent as inexperienced.
"This election is about saving our city by restoring a government that works -- that has knowledge, competence and ability," Cuomo said Monday night at the Carpenters Union headquarters. "This is not a job for a novice. This is not a job for a person who really never had a job before."
Tuesday, Mamdani campaigned with fellow candidate Brad Lander. The two cross-endorsed in a bid to stifle support for Cuomo.
"We've shown that by focusing on the issues of working and middle class New Yorkers across this city, that by listening instead of lecturing, that by creating a politics of no translation, New Yorkers will join you in your fight for a new city," Mamdani said early Tuesday morning in Astoria, Queens. "We are well positioned to finally turn the page on the politics of the past."
"This is someone who was a corrupt and abusive governor. He's running a corrupt and abusive campaign," Lander said Tuesday.
Ranked choice voting and results
Eleven candidates are vying for the nomination are New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, former state Assemblyman Michael Blake, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, state Sen. Zellnor Myrie, state Sen. Jessica Ramos, former New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer and former hedge fund manager Whitney Tilson.
The mayoral primary utilizes ranked choice voting, and since a candidate needs more than 50% of first-round votes to win, the counting will likely continue for several rounds, and it could take weeks before the results are certified.
The winner of the Democratic field will face Mayor Adams and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa in November's general election.
