The Issue: New York City’s Mayoral Election Sparks Heated Debate

Polls currently show Zohran Mamdani in the lead as New Yorkers prepare to choose their next mayor. It is astonishing to some that the city is on the verge of electing Mamdani, who critics label as a communist and terrorist sympathizer, accusing him of being pro-crime, anti-American, antisemitic, and anti-Italian (“Turnout set for record high, giving Cuo edge,” Nov. 3).

His policies, opponents argue, have failed wherever they have been tried in the past. They question whether this “child of privilege,” who has never held a job in the private sector, truly possesses a magic formula to make them work now. As one voice reminds us, our founders warned that the greatest threat to the country is an uninformed electorate—and many feel that is precisely where we are today.
— Joseph Paino, Manhattan

Another cautionary voice urges voters, especially Gen Z, to be careful what they wish for. They recommend speaking with Cuban immigrants to understand the realities that might come with Mamdani’s leadership. Many Cubans fled their country desperate to escape communism, and they emphasize that wealthier politicians who preach equality often do so without understanding or experiencing the hardships faced by ordinary people. The warning is clear:
“There is only one thing worse than a communist running this city, and that is a communist who does not know what he’s doing.”
— Joanne Passero, Forest Hills

From Staten Island, where the vote traditionally favors Republicans, comes a plea to consider the consequences carefully. While acknowledging incumbent Andrew Cuomo’s flaws, some stress that a vote for Curtis Sliwa, rather than Cuomo, would lead to unacceptable outcomes. In their view, Cuomo is the only candidate capable of preventing what they describe as a mayor who is “an antisemitic lunatic.”
— Rob Feuerstein, Staten Island

Many New Yorkers agree that this election has never been more critical. Critics describe Mamdani as a wealthy individual who has never worked a day in his life and demonstrate open hostility toward Jews and America. Cuomo is seen by some as an arrogant failure responsible for mishandling the COVID-19 crisis and accusations of inappropriate conduct. Meanwhile, supporters highlight Curtis Sliwa’s four decades of public service at his own expense, emphasizing that he has concrete plans to improve the city. For these voters, a Sliwa vote represents hope for positive change.
— D. V. Leavy, Middle Village

Support for Sliwa is not unanimous, however. One Bronx resident compares Sliwa’s recent conduct to that of a spoiled child refusing to accept an umpire’s call, leading to his team forfeiting a championship—urging Sliwa to resign and support Cuomo instead.
— Tom McBride, The Bronx

A New Jersey voter weighs in, noting that while Mamdani’s followers imagine a “day of reckoning” with promises of free benefits, the reality under Cuomo has been very different. The frustration over Cuomo’s failure to accept his primary loss and Sliwa’s chances has led them to dub the coming election day as a “day of ‘wreck’-oning.”
— Storm Destro, Bayonne, NJ

To Republicans living in New York City, there is an acknowledgment of the usual feelings of helplessness during elections. Despite reluctance to compromise principles, some argue the stakes are too high to let a socialist propagandist assume the mayor’s office. While not explicitly endorsing a candidate, the sentiment is clear: rejecting Mamdani is essential for the city’s future.
— Bo Madden, Jupiter, Fla.

Finally, a voice from Lakewood, New Jersey, draws wisdom from the popular TV show “Rhoda,” reminding New Yorkers that this election may be their last chance to choose wisely:
“Hey, New York, this is your last chance!”

They warn: Mamdani will destroy the city, and those endorsing him remain indifferent to the everyday lives of residents once they retreat to their gated homes guarded by security.
— Joe Tama, Lakewood, NJ

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As New Yorkers cast their ballots, the city stands at a crossroads, with passionate opinions on all sides about who can best lead the city forward.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/03/opinion/new-york-citys-mayoral-election-letters/