The Brian Lehrer Show Election Day: Exit Polls and the Mayoral Candidates
5 snips
Nov 4, 2025 
Brigid Bergin, WNYC's senior political reporter, shares insights on New York City's early voting trends and the differing turnout among age groups. Former governor Andrew Cuomo pitches his candidacy by emphasizing public safety and his record in government. The discussion includes issues around voter sentiment, with listeners weighing hope against fear for their choices. Cuomo's courting of Republican voters and Trump's endorsement raises eyebrows, while various candidates make last-minute appeals as Election Day unfolds.
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Early Voting Demographics Shifted
- Early voting initially skewed older but younger turnout surged later in the period, reversing the early pattern.
- Brigid Bergin links the younger spike to events like Halloween and persistent mobilization from 25–34 and 18–24 voters.
Turnout Doesn’t Equal One-Candidate Support
- Campaigns caution against assuming borough-level turnout equals support for one candidate due to different community dynamics.
- Cuomo's campaign said high turnout in areas like Brooklyn could include younger voters from Hasidic and Orthodox communities.
Prioritize Affordability Policies
- Mamdani advised voters to back his agenda because it centers on affordability and dignity for New Yorkers.
- He emphasized policies like rent freezes, faster buses, and universal childcare as transformative commitments.