WSJ What’s News Business and Politics Collide in NYC Mayor’s Race
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Nov 2, 2025 
Joshua Chaffin, a senior writer for National Affairs at The Wall Street Journal, and Kevin Dugan, a reporter specializing in corporate politics, dive into the NYC mayoral race that has captured national attention. They discuss the contrasting candidates—Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani—and what Mamdani's democratic-socialist views could mean for the Democratic Party. Insights on business reactions to Mamdani's victory and donor dynamics paint a picture of a city at a political crossroads, with potential ramifications for the national business landscape.
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Unexpected Rise Of A Young Socialist
- Zohran Mamdani rose from obscurity to lead the Democratic primary by energizing young voters with bold messaging and social media savvy.
- His democratic-socialist label presents a stark contrast to Andrew Cuomo's establishment profile and reshapes the race's narrative.
Local Race With National Stakes
- The race matters nationally because it tests the Democratic Party's direction amid low approval and strategic uncertainty.
- Observers see Mamdani as a potential template for energizing voters while forcing establishment recalibration.
How Candidates Frame Trump
- Mamdani positions himself as a foil to Trump and pledges daily opposition, which energizes his base.
- Cuomo argues Mamdani lacks the gravitas to confront Trump, while Sliwa favors pragmatic cooperation with the president.