New York has always voted for Democrats. But now the frontrunner is a Muslim, immigrant, and self-proclaimed socialist, with radical proposals and an anti-establishment discourse.
The scenario is so unprecedented and relevant that it prompted Trump and Elon Musk to ask for votes… for a Democrat!
It's not about party affiliation. It's about ideology.
The new fact here isn't a Democrat leading in New York—that's always been the case.
The question is: what kind of Democrat? Zohran Mamdani wants to cut police funding, tax billionaires, freeze rents, and is openly socialist.
Radical base, militant support
At 34, Mamdani has appeal among youth groups and activists, especially in Brooklyn and Queens.
For his allies, he is "hope." For critics, an ideological leap with costly consequences for the financial heart of the West.
Cuomo, the lesser evil for many
Former governor, traditional Democrat, and embroiled in scandals — Andrew Cuomo has, in practice, become the only viable obstacle to Mamdani.
Even part of the Republican and conservative electorate is threatening to vote for him, due to a lack of realistic options.
Trump urged voters to vote for Cuomo.
He called Mamdani a communist and warned that if Cuomo wins, he will not send federal funds to New York.
And he concluded: “You have no choice. Vote for Cuomo.”
Musk followed the same line of thought.
Elon posted:
“Voting for Curtis is voting for Mumdumi or whatever he’s called. Vote for Cuomo!”
Two icons of capitalism endorsing a Democrat to avoid a socialist.
New poll released the day before changes the mood
Atlas Intel showed a more balanced scenario than previously thought: Mamdani leads by 4.5 points, with Cuomo close behind.
This rekindled hopes among allies of the former governor — and strengthened calls for other candidates to drop out.
But the market continues to bet heavily on Mamdani.
On Polymarket, the socialist's victory is priced in with over a 90% chance.
In other words: even with the latest poll giving Cuomo a lifeline, the scenario remains largely favorable to Mamdani.
Polymarket is rarely wrong!
Why this election matters
What's important here isn't just New York.
It's the signal that the largest city in the US can send to the world: the center of capitalism could come to be governed by a politician who rejects this system.
And this has significant political and economic implications.
What's at stake
This election is not just symbolic.
- It impacts the perception of regulatory risk in the US
- It puts pressure on fiscal and public safety discourse
- It gives strength to radical movements in other Western capitals
All this stemming from the financial epicenter of the world.