New Yorkers voting on Election Day at a polling site in the East Village on Nov. 4, 2025.
Photo by Adam Daly
The 2025 NYC Mayor’s Race is destined for history, regardless of who wins the election.
More than 1.7 million New Yorkers have already voted in the contest between Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, independent candidate and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. The final vote total is expected to be the highest in more than 30 years and could wind up being a number not seen at the polls in a mayor’s race in more than 50 years.
The NYC Board of Elections reported as of 6 p.m. Tuesday that 1,748,698 people had cast ballots in the race — a figure that included the more than 730,000 people who took part in early voting. Through 6 p.m. on Nov. 4, 1,015,832 voters had checked in to their polling sites citywide on Election Day — a figure exceeding the early voting turnout of 732,866.
Decades of voter apathy appear to have been shattered by the energy of the three-way campaign, largely defined by Mamdani’s presence in the race, and his social media and voter engagement tactics.
On its own, the 6 p.m. total would represent the most votes cast in a NYC mayoral election since the 1993 mayoral election between Rudy Giuliani and David Dinkins, which was also a highly contentious one.
In the 1993 contest, in which the Republican former federal prosecutor Giuliani toppled the one-term incumbent Mayor Dinkins, more than 50% of registered voters in New York City cast a ballot. Turnouts in the seven mayoral elections since that fateful race have never come so close to that number.
When all is said and done, the final vote total will likely surpass 2 million votes, a number not seen since the three-way, 1969 mayoral election in which incumbent Mayor John Lindsay won re-election to a second term on a third-party line.
The 1,748,698 total voter check-ins as of 6 p.m. on Nov. 4 represented 35.3% of the 4,954,908 active registered voters in New York City, based on data from the New York State Board of Elections. That would be one of the highest percentage turnouts in a New York City mayoral election in the 21st century.
The city is on pace to see total turnout in the 2025 election flirt with or exceed 40% of all registered voters. The last time more than 40% of registered voters, and more than 1.5 million voters cast ballots, in a mayoral election was in 2001, when Republican businessman Mike Bloomberg defeated Democratic Public Advocate Mark Green just weeks after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Bloomberg would go on to serve three terms as mayor.
Just four years ago, the 2021 mayoral election, which saw Eric Adams prevail, had a 23% turnout, with roughly 1.14 million votes cast. It was the fourth consecutive mayoral election in which voter turnout was under 30%.
Without question, the 2025 mayoral election will take its place in history as one of the most exciting in recent memory, and the start of a new era in city politics where more voters become part of their democracy.
Manhattan led the surge with 24,046 voters casting ballots on Oct. 25, up from 4,563 on the first day of early voting in 2021 and more than double the 10,003 recorded during the primary.
Brooklyn followed with 22,105 check-ins, up from 3,751 in 2021 and 10,244 in the primary. Queens had 19,045 voters, the Bronx 7,793, and Staten Island 6,420, all significantly higher than both prior elections.
Overall, 79,409 voters were checked in citywide, compared with 15,418 on the first day of early voting in the 2021 general election and 30,553 during the first day of the June primary.
Manhattan early voters say: ‘We need a change right now’
During Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo’s last showdown at the polls during June’s Democratic primary, the Queens Assembly Member notched a significant edge over the former Governor — 44% to 36%. By borough, Mamdani won a majority in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, while Cuomo came out on top in the Bronx and Staten Island.
In Manhattan, Mamdani had a six-point lead over Cuomo, but the former governor managed to hold on to pockets of support, such as in areas of the Lower East Side.
As voters went to the polls there on the first day of early voting, those who spoke to amNewYork Saturday voiced a wide range of opinions — from frustration with both major parties to enthusiasm for front-runner and Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani’s campaign. According to most opinion polls, Mamdani’s campaign is ahead by double-digit margins coming into the general election.
Nilka, a lifelong Democrat who recently left the party, cast her ballot for Republican Curtis Sliwa.
“I was a diehard Democrat. But after COVID, I changed to no party,” she said. “I was just done with the Democrats, so I changed to no party. So I pick whoever I want.”
Nilka said she intends to register as a Republican before the next election cycle. “I’m going to switch to Republican,” she said, adding that she was disappointed President Donald Trump had not fully endorsed Sliwa for mayor.
She said she supports Sliwa because of his long-standing presence in the city. “Curtis, what you see him doing is not fake because he’s been doing this for years with the Guardian Angels. So he has my vote.”
Voters show off their badge of participation on the first day of early votingPhoto by Adam Daly
The lifelong Lower East Sider said she believes Mamdani represents a Democratic Party that has changed beyond recognition.
On Friday, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries became the latest of several high-ranking Democrats to endorse the DSA-backed Mamdani, but months after his convincing win in the Democratic nomination.
Nilka also voiced anger toward Independent candidate Cuomo, saying he has “blood on his hands” over his handling of COVID-19 in nursing homes. The talking point throughout the campaign season stems from an order from Cuomo’s state Health Department in the deadly spring of 2020, which permitted COVID-positive patients to be readmitted into nursing homes. Cuomo and his campaign have maintained there is no evidence to suggest the move caused additional deaths and that the order was exploited by his rivals for political purposes.
Other voters across. the city shared Nilka’s disillusionment but not her political shift.
Two women voting Saturday, one from Queens and the other from Brooklyn, said they were unhappy with the mayoral candidate choices but would likely vote for Mamdani.
“I think that I will vote for him,” said Marcia, a Brooklyn Democrat. “We need a change right now. Let’s give him a break.”
Marcia, who lives in East New York, said crime and safety were among her biggest concerns. “Every weekend there’s a shooting, a drug deal,” she said. “We need to keep the streets clean. I’m tired of hearing gunshots every time I go to bed.”
The first day of early voting sees New Yorkers at Lower East Side Preparatory High School turning out for the mayoral race in particularPhoto by Adam Daly
Her friend Taishima from Far Rockaway said she was torn.
“I am really not for Mamdani,” she said. “I’m not really happy with any of the candidates… I probably go for Mamdani because he’s a popular choice. But am I like happy? No, I’m not really confident with that.”
For others, like a family who came to cast their ballots with their dogs, Kiki and Manny, getting behind Mamdani was a cause for celebration.
“We voted for Zohran,” said Linda Quiñones. “His campaign runs on affordability. We are lifelong New Yorkers, and I think that’s the number one thing that’s important to us right now.”
Her mother, Lee Nguyen, and her boyfriend, Eddie Hernandez, agreed. “Safety is also important to us,” Quiñones said. “But I think he really got to the heart of like, New York should be for New Yorkers.”
Linda, Eddie and Lee show off their ‘I Voted’ stickers after casting their ballots for Mamdani at Lower East Side Preparatory High SchoolPhoto by Adam Daly
Others who were excited to vote for Mamdani hope that his rise in popularity will continue to reshape city and national politics.
“He’s influencing the whole American political system, which requires some inspiration,” said Atif, an East Village resident who voted with his friend, Lisa. “He’s pushing the whole Democratic Party to the left.”
Lisa, who lives on the Lower East Side, said she supports Mamdani despite criticisms of his lack of experience and young age. “He seems like a smart person,” she said. “He knows how to bring the right people in and make decisions.”
Atif said he hopes Mamdani’s election will shift national politics to the left.
“I’m tired of seeing the left in many different countries try to play to the center, and they become the center,” he said. “I think what we need to do is really push for the left politics.”
“Even if he doesn’t win, he’s changing the conversation,” he added.
Mitchell Aberman proudly showcases his “I Voted Early” sticker after casting his ballot in the 2025 general election on the first day of early voting in Brooklyn on Oct. 25, 2025.Photo by Lloyd MitchellPeople wait to cast their vote in the general election in Brooklyn on Oct. 25, 2025.Photo by Lloyd MitchellPeople were all smiles after early voting in Brooklyn on Oct. 25, 2025.Photo by Lloyd Mitchell
Other Mamdani supporters could be found Saturday, casting their early votes in Brooklyn at Friends of Crown Heights.
“I am looking forward to seeing what change Zohran brings to the table,” said voter Jay Wu.
Another voter, Kimberly Wong, said, “I voted for Zohran. I think Cuomo is a monster. He stands for what I believe in, people deserve free buses and housing, I am mostly glad to see a candidate who breathes fresh air into the race.”
Still, Nilka, one of the Lower East Side voters, said she’s preparing for a change of scenery if Sliwa doesn’t prevail, and Mamdani does.
“If it’s Mamdani, I’m out of here like a bat out of hell,” she said. “Straight to Florida, or maybe Connecticut or New Jersey. Anywhere but here.”
Hizzoner says ‘neigh’ to horse-drawn carriages in the city.
Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday endorsed legislation to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City. This policy shift follows years of advocacy, public safety concerns, and high-profile animal deaths.
Adams, who also signed an executive order directing agencies to prepare for the industry’s end, called on the City Council to swiftly pass Ryder’s Law, a bill that has languished for more than a year.
The measure would phase out the horse-drawn carriage industry by halting the issuance of new licenses and banning carriage operations entirely starting June 1, 2026.
It also requires that retired horses be placed in humane settings, barring their sale for slaughter or to other carriage businesses. In addition, the bill directs the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection to create a workforce development program to help drivers and other employees transition into new jobs.
Executive Order 56 directs city agencies to prepare for the industry’s end, increase oversight and enforcement, create a process for drivers to voluntarily return their licenses, and identify new employment opportunities for workers.
“While horse-drawn carriages have long been an iconic fixture of Central Park, they are increasingly incompatible with the conditions of a modern, heavily-used urban green space,” Adams said in a statement.
“It’s not about eliminating this tradition,” Adams said. “It’s about honoring our traditions in a way that aligns with who we are today.”
Adams emphasized that his administration will work with drivers as the city transitions away from horse carriages. “We will not abandon the drivers themselves, who are honest, hard-working New Yorkers,” he said, noting that the city is considering new programs for electric carriages.
‘Opportunistic and not helpful’
Calls to end the industry have intensified in recent years after a string of high-profile incidents involving carriage horses. In Aug. 2022, a horse named Ryder collapsed in Hell’s Kitchen during a heatwave, sparking outrage from animal advocates. Ryder later died of cancer that October.
Animal rights activists and politicians, including City Council Member Robert Holden, have led the charge to pass the horse’s namesake law since Ryder’s death.
Last month, another horse, Lady, collapsed and died from an aortic rupture near Times Square.
Since Ryder’s now famous collapse, Councilmembers Holden and Erik Botcher have been peddling legislation that would outlaw horse carriages and replace them with electric carriages. Holden argues that the shift would benefit both the animals and the drivers since the promised machines would be able to run year-round and in any temperature.Photo by Dean Moses
Last month, the Central Park Conservancy, for the first time, took sides in the off-again, on-again, years-long controversy between carriage drivers and animal rights supporters by calling on city officials to end horse-drawn carriages in the park.
An ‘absolute disgrace,’ union says
Transport Workers Union Local 100, which represents about 200 carriage riders in the city, has long called the proposed ban “outrageous” and a move that would be a “devastating blow” to its members.
TWU Local 100 President John V. Chiarello said Mayor Adams’ backing of the ban was an “absolute disgrace” and a betrayal of working-class New Yorkers.
“It’s disappointing to see Adams, who is polling dead last in the mayor’s race, now abandon hardworking people who make their living taking part in an age-old New York tradition,” Chiarello said.
A spokesperson for the NYC Council said Ryder’s Law is continuing through the legislative process, criticizing Mayor Adams for using the issue for political gain.
“The Council appreciates that this is a difficult and emotional issue for many New Yorkers, which has persisted for decades. Mayor Adams politically using it for his reelection campaign is opportunistic and not helpful,” the spokesperson said.
“Mayor Adams and Randy Mastro have no credibility in the legislative process after the Council was forced to override their vetoes of grocery delivery worker and street vendor bills that their administration had supported,” they added.
Mastro: City Hall ‘meeting the moment’ on industry
Responding to criticism that the mayor’s timing is politically motivated, First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro described such claims as “emotional” and said Mayor Adams is merely “meeting the moment” following the series of horrific incidents involving horse-drawn carriages.
“A consensus is developing that there’s a need to act now and to phase out this industry,” Mastro told amNewYork. “So this legislation has been pending for a year or more in the city council. It has 21 co-signers, which means it’s very close to passage, and the mayor hopes that the council will also meet the moment.”
The First Deputy Mayor said that TWU 100’s comments in response to Adams’ announcement used “rhetoric that’s totally uncalled for,” especially since his executive order directs city agencies to “find new jobs for these workers” and to “recognize and compensate those who voluntarily return their licenses.”
Mastro urged council leadership to expedite hearings and a vote, saying the legislation is necessary to legally end the carriage business and ensure a structured transition, saying they have a “moral imperative” to do so.
On the possibility of new roles for current carriage drivers, the First Deputy Mayor suggested that potential opportunities could include roles in a prospective electric carriage industry, city government driving positions, and other jobs involving horses.
“We’re going to respect the workers in this industry. We’re going to respect the licensees in this industry, and we’re going to respect these animals and do right by all of them,” he said.
Amid the criticism, Adams found an unexpected ally in fellow mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa, the Guardian Angels founder and longtime animal rights advocate.
The Republican nominee praised the mayor’s support for Ryder’s Law, calling the horse-drawn carriage industry “cruel and barbaric.”
“Today, for once, I agree with the mayor,” Sliwa said.
The Lafayette Avenue brownstone owned by Mayor Eric Adams in Bedford-Stuyvesant, outside of which neighbors voiced their gripes on Thursday amid corruption allegations.
Outside Mayor Eric Adams’ Bedford-Stuyvesant brownstone on Thursday, neighbors backed calls for his resignation.
The mayor is accused of bribery, soliciting illegal campaign donations, and wire fraud as part of an alleged years-long relationship with Turkish officials.
Emerson Iannone, 24, who lives down the block from Adams’ Lafayette Avenue property, expressed a lack of surprise regarding the indictment, viewing the alleged corruption in the current administration as pervasive across the city and broader U.S.
In a video message released Wednesday, Adams claimed the case against him is “based on lies” and suggested he had been made a “target” for his criticisms of the Biden administration’s support for New York City’s migrant crisis. Iannone said Adams’ rebuttal was indicative of “who he is as a mayor” and that he is “not a good reflection of the city.”
“Should he resign just because of this? I think he should have resigned for a lot of other things,” Iannone told Brooklyn Paper. “After the budget cuts to parks and libraries, I’ve wanted him to resign for a while.”
Meanwhile, Allisa Zladimir was shocked to learn that Adams owns the Lafayette Avenue brownstone that she passes every day with her dog.
“I’ve never seen him,” Zladimir said. “I live here, and I walk down this street every day, and I’ve never seen him.”
Whether Adams resides at the property was a subject of scrutiny during his 2021 mayoral campaign, with the then-candidate even inviting reporters to tour it in a bid to dispel rumors that he was commuting from New Jersey.
While Zladimir was surprised by the news of Adams’ property ownership, the indictment did not catch her off guard.
“Everyone around him was going down, so I assumed it was inevitable at some point,” she said, noting that he was not her “candidate of choice” during the last mayoral election and that he has done little to win her over, pointing to his cutting of funding to several city services last year to address the cost of the migrant crisis — many of which have been partially restored.
“It doesn’t sound like he has any plans of stepping down, but it’s only day one, so we’ll see,” she added.
Another resident of Adams’ block, a 44-year-old woman who wished to remain anonymous, did not hold back in her criticism of the mayor, stating that his resignation is “a long time coming.”
“I think enough has gone on, on and off the record, as we’re starting to find out,” she said of the indictment. “So, I think it’s great; hopefully, I won’t continue to have to be part of the people paying his salary. I think it would be in his best interest, and it would be prudent for him to step down so they can begin to search for someone somewhat better.”
Mayor Eric Adams announces his latest initiative in the war on rats in NYC: the ‘Rat Pack.’ Earlier this summer, he told the press in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, that the program will train an army of rat catchers laser-focused on helping the city win its battle against rodents.File photo by Dean Moses
The woman, who works as an artist and poet, also criticized Adams as a neighbor and his handling of rat infestations at his property. The mayor has been waging a war on rats in the city but has faced five rodent violations at his property since he took office in 2022.
Last month, Adams had a $300 ticket dismissed after telling the court that the property next door caused the infestation on the block. Despite these claims, Adams’ neighbor of five years said she regularly sees rats around the property and will even take a B38 bus to avoid walking by it at night.
“He just owns it for street cred,” she said. “He could use it as affordable housing, or he could gift it in kind to the city and have it rehabilitated rather than own property that’s causing people to have to walk in the street because of the rats.”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks to the press outside his official residence Gracie Mansion after he was charged with bribery and illegally soliciting a campaign contribution from a foreign national.REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs
At a press conference outside of Gracie Mansion Thursday, Adams criticized prosecutors and the U.S. government and said he would not resign as he addressed the charges.
Adams, who appeared to be in good spirits, surrounded himself with local religious leaders as he addressed reporters just minutes after the 57-page indictment was unsealed.
“We are not surprised, we expected this, this is not surprising to us at all,” Adams said of the indictment, reiterating his stance that he is being “targeted” by the federal government. “I ask New Yorkers to wait to hear our defense before making any judgments … I ask you to wait and hear our side to this narrative. From here, my attorneys will take care of the case so I can take care of the city. My day-to-day will not change. I will continue to do the job for 8.3 million New Yorkers that I was elected to do.”
Adams — the city’s second Black mayor — took office in 2022, after narrowly winning a ranked-choice primary the year prior. A former police captain, Adams is a centrist Democrat who won the mayor’s race on the promise of reigning in crime and has continued to make that the centerpiece of his mayoralty over his nearly three years in office.
One unnamed supporter outside of Gracie Mansion Thursday said the feds were just “after Adams” for addressing the city’s migrant crisis and assured Hizzoner that the Big Apple still has his back.
“We love you,” she told the mayor. “We know the truth.”
