Zohran Mamdani Mobilizes Support Ahead of NYC Mayoral Vote

As early voting approaches, Zohran Mamdani has ramped up his campaign efforts on Staten Island. On October 15, 2023, supporters gathered at Borough Hall in St. George to kick off a day of canvassing aimed at reaching potential voters. This initiative seeks to generate momentum for Mamdani’s bid for the New York City mayoralty as Election Day draws near.

The gathering focused on engaging Staten Island residents, with volunteers actively discussing the candidate’s platform. “We know that in the next five to 10 years, the Island is going to be completely different,” said Yesenia Mata of the New York Immigration Coalition Action. “It will no longer be the forgotten borough, but it’s because of all of us, because we did this together.”

Mobilizing Support and Addressing Community Concerns

Less than a week before early voting begins, former U.S. Representative Jamaal Bowman emphasized the importance of high voter turnout. “It’s up to all of us to make sure we have record numbers with early voting,” he told the audience. “And it’s on all of us to make sure Zohran doesn’t just win Staten Island, but crushes it.”

Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes, a Democrat from Brooklyn, also attended the event. She highlighted the significance of connecting with the community and ensuring their concerns are addressed. “We are seeing a lot of people being supportive of the messaging, but there’s also a lot of fear,” Mitaynes noted, reflecting on her canvassing experiences. Many local business owners expressed ongoing struggles from the pandemic, she added.

Community member Shahana Masum shared her personal reasons for supporting Mamdani’s campaign. “My three children were born here, and grew up here, and they left because they cannot afford it,” she explained. “My children are educated people. My daughter just finished her master’s. My son finished his double master’s, and my other son is doing international law. And they cannot afford this city.”

Another volunteer, Ruben Sibri from West Brighton, echoed the sentiment regarding affordability. “I think it’s going to be surprising to people how strong the coalition here is on Staten Island. I think affordability speaks to everyone,” he said, sharing his experiences door-knocking.

The Competitive Landscape of the Mayoral Race

As the campaign intensifies, the race for New York City mayor is becoming increasingly competitive. Notably, former Governor Andrew Cuomo has made multiple appearances on Staten Island since mid-September. Running as an independent, he is currently the only remaining candidate following the suspension of Mayor Eric Adams’ campaign. Republican Curtis Sliwa has also been a visible presence, actively participating in various events, including a press conference concerning speed cameras.

A recent poll by Quinnipiac University indicates that Mamdani leads the mayoral race with 46% support following Adams’ withdrawal. Cuomo has gained traction, climbing to 33% citywide, and notably surpassing Mamdani on Staten Island. This marks a shift from earlier polling conducted on September 10, where Mamdani held a significant lead with 45% to Cuomo’s 23%.

These developments illustrate the evolving dynamics of the race, with Cuomo capturing much of the support previously held by Adams. As the election date approaches, how each candidate addresses critical issues like affordability and community concerns will play a pivotal role in shaping voter sentiment.