Fundraising Dominance Drives Momentum
Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani, who won the Democratic nomination in June against former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, has raised almost twice as much campaign money as his top challengers from early July to mid-August. Zohran Mamdani, as reported by the New York City Campaign Finance Board, raised $1,051,200 on average with a contribution of $121, mostly from local and out-of-state donors.
By contrast, Cuomo brought in $541,301 with a higher average donation of $646, while incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, running as an independent, raised $425,181 with an average contribution of $770. Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa recorded $407,332 in fundraising. Mamdani’s cash advantage provides a significant boost heading into the critical post-Labor Day stretch leading to the November election.
Policy Platform and Grassroots Appeal
Mamdani’s fundraising strength is complemented by polling advantages. A recent Siena poll placed him 19 points ahead of Cuomo, with a 12-poll Decision Desk HQ average showing a 13-point lead. The assemblyman’s policy proposals rent freezes on nearly a million rent-stabilized apartments, free city buses and childcare, city-run grocery stores, and higher taxes on Columbia University and NYU to subsidize city colleges and trade schools have resonated with voters.
Earlier this year, Mamdani urged his supporters to volunteer instead of donating, suspending fundraising temporarily. He now has $4.4 million in campaign funds and may get an additional $2.2 million in matching public funds. His campaign also recently got a boost from a $250,000 contribution from Elizabeth Simons, daughter of the deceased hedge fund billionaire Jamie Simons.
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Political Operatives Face Challenges Amid Maneuvering
Adams and Sliwa, lagging in fundraising and the polls, are under increasing pressure to drop out but insist on persevering. Adams’ campaign is ineligible for matching funds after a previous campaign finance rule-breaking violation, and Cuomo is shifting $7.5 million from his state campaign into the city account, leaving him with $1.2 million in the bank. Cuomo is also anticipating receiving approximately $400,000 in public funds.
The race is becoming increasingly heated politically. Mamdani has been labeled “a 100% Communist Lunatic” by ex-President Donald Trump, which inspired Cuomo to speculate Republican leaders would attempt to divert votes from Sliwa in order to block him. Mamdani, though, referred to such accusations as typical political attacks.
As the November election approaches, Mamdani’s dual advantage in fundraising and polling positions him as a formidable contender, while his opponents scramble to regroup and counter his rising momentum.
