TL/DR –
In the upcoming New York City mayoral race, Democratic nominee and democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani has a substantial lead at 46%, according to a New York Times/Siena poll. However, if the race was narrowed to a one-on-one matchup between Mamdani and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Mamdani’s lead shrinks to 4%. In another development, the White House issued public criticism of Israel’s attack against Hamas’ senior leadership in Qatar, marking a rare break with Israel’s actions.
Welcome to the digital edition of From the Politics Desk, your source for NBC News Politics’ recent reports and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail.
Our agenda today includes Steve Kornacki’s analysis of the latest polls in New York City’s mayoral race and a rare divergence between President Donald Trump’s administration and Israel. Receive this newsletter directly in your inbox every weekday by signing up here.
How a one-on-one matchup could alter the NYC mayoral race: Analysis by Steve Kornacki
The NYC mayoral race sees Zohran Mamdani leading, but a recent New York Times/Siena poll reveals Mamdani’s vulnerability in a potential one-on-one contest with Andrew Cuomo. In contrast, Mamdani maintains a strong lead over incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa.
The poll’s findings could boost efforts to align anti-Mamdani leaders behind Cuomo to outmaneuver both Adams and Sliwa. Nevertheless, unless the race’s current composition changes, Mamdani remains the favorite.
White House diverges with Israel on Qatar strike: By Doha Madani and Alexander Smith
Israel’s recent attack against Hamas leadership in Qatar prompted rare public criticism from the White House and denunciations from countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Despite early warnings, U.S. officials insisted on their non-involvement in the strike.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated during a press briefing that President Trump disapproves of the strike’s location but supports the eradication of Hamas. Find out more here →
🗞️ Today’s other top stories
- 📝 Epstein saga: Trump refrains from discussing the letter to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that House Democrats released. Learn more →
- ⚖️ SCOTUS watch: The Supreme Court moves to quickly resolve a dispute over Trump’s tariffs and allows the administration to temporarily withhold $4 billion in foreign aid previously allocated by Congress.
- 📉 Data download: The Bureau of Labor Statistics revises down the number of U.S. jobs created from April 2024 to March 2025 by 911,000. Discover more →
- ➡️ Deportation agenda: Immigration and Customs Enforcement initiates a long-awaited operation in Chicago targeting undocumented immigrants who have committed crimes. Meanwhile, ICE is abolishing paperwork previously required for immigrant arrests in the U.S.
- 🩺 ‘MAHA’ report: A follow-up report to the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” initiative outlines steps to enhance children’s health. Get more details →
- 🚫 The never-ending election: Fifteen Michigan ‘fake electors’ will not face a criminal trial over alleged attempts to reverse Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory in the state. Read more →
- 🗳️ If it’s Tuesday: Elections are underway in Virginia’s 11th District and in Boston for the mayoral primary. Track live updates →
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