Campaign Tactics Spotlighted in NYC Democratic Primary as Cuomo, Mamdani Vie

TL/DR –

The Democratic primary for the New York City Mayor’s race is underway, with wealthy Americans and pundits promoting former New York governor and current mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo and disparaging his main opponent, Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani. Despite a spending limit of $8 million, Cuomo’s campaign has seen over $24 million in total spending, mainly from outside groups like Super PACs, with former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg being the single largest backer. The campaign has witnessed a barrage of TV ads painting Mamdani as a “radical” and “dangerous,” and support for Cuomo from groups like Housing for All which is funded by the New York Apartment Association, a lobbying group for landlords.

NYC Democratic Primary: Cuomo and Mamdani Battle it Out

The controversial NYC Mayor Eric Adams is facing competition as the Democratic primary gains momentum. Wealthy figures and pundits are backing former New York governor and current candidate Andrew Cuomo against his main contender: Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani.

Despite New York’s mayoral candidacy spending cap of $8 million, Cuomo’s campaign has seen over $24 million in total expenditure, primarily from PACs, Super PACs, and outside groups. The biggest contributor is former NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg who has funded Cuomo’s primary Super PAC Fix the City with over $8 million.

Fix the City has broadcast TV ads relentlessly, depicting Mamdani as too extreme and dangerous for New Yorkers. A viral social media incident sparked outrage when Mamdani’s campaign accused the PAC of Islamophobia for darkening and thickening Mamdani’s beard in a mailer pitch.

Additionally, Cuomo has also seen $2.3 million in backing from Housing for All, exclusively funded by the New York Apartment Association, a prominent landlord lobbying group.

Media outlets like The Washington Post and The Atlantic expressed skepticism about Mamdani’s proposals, with The New York Post even urging readers to keep Mamdani off the ballot.

Despite prominent opinion sections opposing him, Mamdani enjoys substantial support from New Yorkers. Recent polls show that Mamdani has reduced Cuomo’s lead in the primary. Final polling results, however, are yet to account for the last round of ads, cross endorsements, and the debate performance.

“Mamdani is clearly in Cuomo’s rearview mirror,” says poll conductor Lee Miringoff, adding, “objects in the mirror may be closer than they appear.”

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