The Brian Lehrer Show The Ad War in the Mayoral Primary
Jun 19, 2025
Join Jeffrey Mays, a political reporter from The New York Times, and Juan Manuel Benitez, a local journalism professor at Columbia, as they dive into the fierce ad wars leading up to the NYC mayoral primary. They discuss how super PACs are shaping the narrative for candidates like Andrew Cuomo, and the diverse strategies used to connect with Black, Latino, and Muslim voters. The conversation also tackles the impact of negative campaigning and allegations of anti-Semitism, illustrating the complex intersection of local issues and voter sentiments.
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Distinct Voter Bases Emerge
- Andrew Cuomo's base is strong among Black voters, women, and voters over 45, particularly in Harlem.
- Zoran Mamdani energizes young progressive and Latino voters, especially under 45, drawing a distinct demographic contrast.
Latino Vote Key to Outcome
- Latino voter turnout and endorsements by key Latino politicians influence the close race between Cuomo and Mamdani.
- Early and demographic turnout, particularly among Latinos, will be decisive in the primary's outcome.
Expanding vs. Traditional Electorates
- Mamdani aims to expand the electorate by activating Muslim and South Asian voters with focused community outreach.
- Cuomo relies on traditional Democratic support bases, showing contrasting campaign strategies.