Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, is in a more comfortable position. However, he will need to fend off two hours of sharp jabs from Cuomo while maintaining the hopeful, charming vibe that has characterized his campaign.
The race has catapulted Mamdani to national political stardom, with Republicans, including President Donald Trump, trying to turn him into the face of the Democratic Party by highlighting his most controversial past comments and positions and casting him as a dangerous communist.
Trump has threatened to arrest Mamdani, to deport him, and even to take over New York City if he wins. Mamdani is a naturalized U.S. citizen.
Mamdani has tried to distance himself from some of his past statements, including calling the New York Police Department “a major threat to public safety,” and his refusal, during the Democratic primary, to disavow use of the phrase “globalize the intifada,” which is seen as a call to violence for many Jews.
Mamdani’s brand of economic populism, which focuses on lowering the city’s astronomical cost of living by advocating for the government to prioritize helping the lower and middle classes over the wealthy, has generated buzz and excitement.
At the same time, the state assemblyman’s calls to raise taxes on the wealthy and intense criticisms of the Israeli government’s military actions in Gaza have unnerved some centrists and conservatives. That’s where Cuomo’s rebooted campaign sees its path to victory.