Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
President Donald Trump’s attempts to influence the New York City mayoral race are reportedly backfiring, inadvertently boosting the campaign of Democratic Socialist nominee Zohran Mamdani, according to several local politicians and operatives. The White House’s intervention, which involved Trump allies seeking to consolidate support for Andrew Cuomo against Mamdani—whom Trump has labeled a “communist”—is perceived as a misstep in the heavily Democratic city. Opponents are actively leveraging the association between Cuomo and Trump, a strategy that appears to be increasing visibility and endorsements for Mamdani as a crucial ballot certification deadline looms.
Mamdani’s Campaign Momentum
Support for Mamdani has notably increased, drawing endorsements and media attention in the wake of Trump’s involvement. On Saturday, Mamdani marched up Fifth Avenue for New York’s Labor Day parade alongside independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, surrounded by campaign aides and union members. The group notably cheered and applauded perennial protesters as they passed Trump Tower.
Following a town hall with Sanders, Mamdani told CNN that President Trump’s focus on stopping his campaign indicates awareness of their shared diagnosis of a cost-of-living crisis. Mamdani asserted that, unlike Trump’s movement, his campaign intends to implement solutions for the issue.
Cuomo’s Position and Denials
Andrew Cuomo, who lost to Mamdani in June’s Democratic primary, has become more active on social media and in public appearances. He has consistently denied any involvement with the White House’s efforts, stating he does not want Trump’s help in the race. Cuomo argues that Republicans, including Trump, desire a Mamdani victory to use him as a political “stooge” against Democrats nationwide in future elections.
Cuomo participated in the Labor Day parade with a small contingent of volunteers and staff, engaging with attendees and union officials. He maintained that he is not dropping out of the race, despite speculation among some of his supporters that Eric Adams might withdraw soon.
Reactions from Other Candidates and Officials
Eric Adams, another candidate in the race, marched in the Labor Day parade without campaign staff and remained noncommittal about his future plans. When asked about speculation of his withdrawal, Adams spoke of “twists and turns” in life, implicitly criticizing his opponents for not having faced similar challenges. John Catsimatidis, a Trump ally, hosted Adams at his birthday party, reiterating an offer for Adams to take a job with the Trump administration.
The White House did not respond to inquiries regarding President Trump’s involvement in the race. Catsimatidis dismissed concerns about Trump’s intervention, suggesting those “repelled” by it suffer from “derangement” and that Trump is simply highlighting the perceived threat posed by Mamdani.
State Attorney General Letitia James, a long-standing critic of Cuomo and a Mamdani supporter, questioned Cuomo’s loyalty given President Trump’s preference for him. Even Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, who has also rejected Trump’s assistance, criticized the president’s intervention. Sliwa suggested that if Trump truly wanted to counter Mamdani’s appeal, he should end the war in Gaza, aligning with Mamdani’s strong criticism of Israel’s conduct.
Divisions Among Democrats
Mamdani’s campaign contends that Trump’s interest in Cuomo, coupled with Cuomo’s approach, reinforces their message that the former governor avoids specific policy discussions. Mamdani has struggled to gain support from top New York Democrats, including Governor Kathy Hochul, Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. This lack of support has led to accusations that these leaders fear alienating major donors by backing the Democratic nominee.
Bernie Sanders publicly admonished these Democratic holdouts during the Brooklyn town hall. Cuomo noted that the reluctance of these prominent Democrats to back Mamdani “tells you something,” emphasizing Mamdani’s socialist platform against his own independent Democratic stance. Some local officials, like Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, believe Trump’s involvement has only solidified their support for Mamdani, arguing that New York is “not a Trump town.”
Conclusion
President Trump’s active engagement in the New York City mayoral contest appears to be generating unintended consequences, with many observers suggesting it is galvanizing support for Democratic Socialist nominee Zohran Mamdani. The intervention has highlighted deep divisions within the Democratic Party and prompted both allies and opponents to react to the unusual dynamics created by White House involvement in a local race. As the city board of elections prepares to certify November’s ballot on Thursday, the impact of these developments continues to reshape the mayoral landscape.
