On this episode: New York City voters head to the polls for the Democratic mayoral primary on Tuesday, June 24 – with early voting totals already exceeding what the city saw in 2021. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo is attempting a political comeback, while Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani has gained traction with a progressive message and growing grassroots support. Annie McDonough, City Hall reporter for City & State NY, joins us to break down the key dynamics shaping the race. We discuss the role of ranked-choice voting, early turnout patterns, and how incumbent Mayor Eric Adams—no longer seeking the Democratic nomination—plans to stay on the ballot in November.

Learn more about the Democratic Primary: https://ballotpedia.org/Mayoral_election_in_New_York,_New_York,_2025_(June_24_Democratic_primary)
Follow along with the general election: https://ballotpedia.org/Mayoral_election_in_New_York,_New_York_(2025)
Read some of McDonough’s reporting: https://www.cityandstateny.com/voices/annie-mcdonough/17228/?oref=csny-post-author?oref=rf-post-author

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*On The Ballot is a conversational podcast featuring interviews with guests across the political spectrum. The views and opinions expressed by them are solely their own and are not representative of the views of the host or Ballotpedia as a whole.

NYC Mayoral Primary 2025: Mamdani, Cuomo, RCV, and the Democrats’ Next Chapter