WSJ Opinion: Potomac Watch The New York City Mayor's Race Keeps Getting Worse
Aug 22, 2025
The New York City mayoral race has taken a wild turn with socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani leading the polls. Andrew Cuomo is firing back, critiquing Mamdani's wealth and demanding he vacate his rent-stabilized apartment. Scandals are brewing too, as two former aides to Mayor Eric Adams face serious allegations—one indicted for bribery and the other caught handing a reporter cash hidden in a potato-chip bag. The political landscape is rife with hypocrisy and corruption, raising questions about integrity and the future of leadership in the city.
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Mamdani's Surprising Lead
- Zohran Mamdani leads the mayoral field by a wide margin in recent polls, far ahead of Cuomo, Sliwa, and Adams.
- His platform of higher taxes and government-run stores has nonetheless gained traction with voters dissatisfied with the status quo.
Cuomo Attacks Mamdani's Housing
- Andrew Cuomo publicly attacked Mamdani for living in a rent-controlled apartment while earning significant household income.
- Cuomo demanded Mamdani move out, framing it as hypocrisy toward low-income New Yorkers.
Cuomo's 'Rich' Definition Backfires
- Kim Strassel highlights the political irony of Cuomo calling Mamdani "rich" when $200,000 household income is middle class in pricey NYC.
- She also notes Cuomo previously changed rent rules that helped preserve rent-stabilized apartments.