The Brian Lehrer Show City Politics: The Mayoral Race Heats Up
Jun 18, 2025
Join Elizabeth Kim, a WNYC and Gothamist political reporter, as she dives into the chaotic New York City mayoral race. She discusses the arrest of Comptroller Brad Lander during an immigration protest and its political fallout. The conversation shifts to Assemblymember Mamdani's heightened security measures amidst rising threats. Kim also explores how these events impact voter sentiment and the ever-changing landscape of endorsements, revealing the challenges candidates face as they navigate public perception in a heated primary.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Lander's Arrest Garners Attention
- Brad Lander's arrest during immigration court escort was likely unplanned but consistent with his commitment to court watching and immigrant protection.
- The arrest brought national attention to immigration resistance tactics amid heightened enforcement.
Mamdani's Latino Outreach Success
- Mamdani has surged among Latino voters by actively engaging and speaking in Spanish despite not being fluent.
- This outreach is helping him narrow the gap with Cuomo who has strong brand recognition among older Latinos.
Voters Support Lander Post-Arrest
- Callers expressed increased support for Lander after his arrest, rejecting claims it was a stunt.
- One caller noted that capturing attention is essential in today's political climate for pushing agendas.