Ranking the NYC Mayoral Candidates
Six people to rank over Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary.
Imagine a seesaw with a hippo on one side and a thousand dollar bill on the other. The hippo’s butt is planted firmly on the ground, while the thousand dollar bill juts into the air. How are you gonna get that cash?
Assuming you can’t move the hippo, then you know you’ll need to get something as heavy as a hippo to sit at the other end. It’s common sense that we don’t balance out an extreme on one end by going lighter on the other, or by moving towards the middle. Nevertheless, when it comes to politics, a great many Democratic voters keep insisting we do just that.
So we see it playing out again with the Democratic primary for NYC’s next mayor. Looming large over this race is the question of who can best stand up to Donald Trump, and so far, for much of this race, likely voters have been leaning towards Andrew Cuomo, the most moderate candidate in the bunch. Even though his donors include billionaires and businesses that also contribute to Trump, and even as he’s already vowed to run as independent should he lose the Democratic nomination, a lot of voters still balk at the idea of someone too far left leading in this moment.
I’m here to say that this is THE moment for a true progressive to lead. There is some very exciting energy coming up from the left’s fight to keep Cuomo away from City Hall; as former congressman Jamaal Bowman said to Cori Bush this week on their podcast, if successful it could prove to be a “shot in the arm to democracy” and a roadmap for how the flailing Democratic party can rebrand itself as a party for young people and working class voters. I’ve already written a list of reasons not to vote for Cuomo, so now wanted to offer a list of Democratic candidates who I hope you’ll consider ranking instead:
For #1 and #2: Zohran Mamdani and Brad Lander (in either order)
For #3 and #4: Adrienne Adams and Zellnor Myrie (in either order)
For #5: Michael Blake or Scott Stringer
Rank #1 or #2: Zohran Mamdani and Brad Lander
Ideologically, Zohran Mamdani and Brad Lander are not too different; both are bona fide progressives who are making a real play for working class voters and leaning into a vision of New York City that is inclusive and equitable. In selecting who to rank first, it may come down to a matter of taste: one is a fresh and energetic new voice, and the other is a dependable technocrat. In any event, progressives and/or voters who want to block Andrew Cuomo from Gracie Mansion can’t go wrong ranking one of these their #1 and the other #2, a strategy that both candidates have embraced by joining forces to cross-endorse each other last week.
Zohran Mamdani
WHO: A 33-year old Democratic Socialist who has represented Astoria in the NY State Assembly since 2020, Zohran Mamdani and his charisma machine are currently polling second to Andrew Cuomo thanks to a savvy social media campaign that has mobilized a massive on-the-ground operation across the boroughs. Mamdani has made affordability the centerpiece of his bid for mayor. If elected, he’d be the first Muslim mayor of NYC and the youngest to assume the office in 137 years.
BIG IDEAS: Free city buses; city-owned grocery stores with subsidized groceries; a rent freeze for rent-stabilized apartments; free universal childcare; increasing minimum wage to $30/hour by 2030; building 200,000 units of affordable housing in 10 years; creating a new Department of Community Safety that will invest in citywide mental health programs and crisis response; beefing up the City Law Department and NYC Commission on Human Rights to fight the Trump administration.
LIABILITIES: His rivals have attacked him for his youth and inexperience, including this viral exchange with Andrew Cuomo at the NY1 debate on June 12th. Much of Mamdani’s policy platform relies on raising taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers and increasing the corporate tax rate, which is something that would have to happen in Albany with the governor’s support. Mamdani has expressed criticism of Israel and previous support for the Defund the Police movement; this has opened him up to attacks from pro-Israel and pro-law enforcement groups.
RANK HIM IF: You want the best chance of beating Cuomo and you’re ready for something completely different from politics as usual.
MAJOR ENDORSEMENTS: The Working Families Party (rank #1), Senator Bernie Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (rank #1), NY Rep. Nydia Velazquez (rank #1), UAW 9A (rank #1), Attorney General Letitia James (rank #3), DC37 Union (rank #2), State Senator John Liu, mayoral candidates Brad Lander and Michael Blake (cross-endorsements for #2), and a slew of grassroots and advocacy groups including Jewish Voices for Peace.
BRAD LANDER
WHO: A 55-year old Park Slope dad, Brad Lander has served since 2022 as the NYC Comptroller, where he has consistently taken on the Adams administration. Prior to holding citywide office, he spent twelve years at the NYC City Council representing District 39 (Brooklyn), where he was known as one of the most progressive councilmembers. Lander’s pre-political roots are in community development and affordable housing.
BIG IDEAS: End street homelessness of people with serious mental illness with “Housing First” approach; freeze rent on rent-stabilized units; declare state of emergency to build 500,000 units of affordable housing; fully fund and extend universal 3-K and expand to 2-K; universal and free afterschool; create a new "Mayor’s Office of Worker’s Rights;” promote outdoor dining; triple capital investment in NYCHA housing and empower residents.
LIABILITIES: In another race, Lander’s progressive record might have been more of a liability for certain swaths of the outer boroughs; however, with Mamdani now leading the pack of candidates looking to take down Cuomo, Lander’s radical edges look milder by contrast due to the wonky dad package they’re wrapped in. For better or worse, this is not a moment that’s clamoring for mild-mannered men, which is why his campaign got a little boost this week when photographers captured him getting arrested by ICE agents at Federal Plaza. As Ezra Klein put it: “We live in an age that favors strongmen and showmen. Brad Lander’s problem is that he’s neither.”
RANK HIM IF: You want a principled, pragmatic, and progressive mayor who knows the weeds of city government.
MAJOR ENDORSEMENTS: NY Times Expert Panel (top choice), Working Families Party (rank #2), UAW 9A (rank #2), Professional Staff Congress (rank #1, 2, or 3), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (rank #3), NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams (rank #1 with Adrienne Adams), mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani (cross-endorsement for #2), and a host of City Councilmembers and progressive advocacy organizations.
Rank #3 or #4: Zellnor Myrie and Adrienne Adams
Along with Mamdani and Lander, Zellnor Myrie and Adrienne Adams have also earned endorsements from The New York Working Families Party, in recognition of their commitments to progressive legislation and racial, social, and economic justice. While Myrie broke out early as a progressive alternative to Eric Adams, his star has faded somewhat as Eric Adams pulled out of the Democratic primary, Cuomo entered the fray, and Mamdani’s campaign turned into a movement. For her part, Adrienne Adams did not kick off her campaign until March, and has since struggled to make up for lost time introducing herself to voters who don’t otherwise follow city politics closely.
ADRIENNE ADAMS
WHO: A 62-year old mother and grandmother raised by two union member parents in Queens, Adrienne Adams became the first Black City Council speaker in 2022 after four years representing District 28. Prior to that, she worked as a corporate executive trainer and held several community volunteer positions, including three-time chairperson of Community Board 12. During her time as City Council speaker, she has made a name for herself going toe-to-toe with Eric Adams on matters related to criminal justice, appointments, and the NYC budget. If she wins, she would be the first woman mayor of NYC.
BIG IDEAS: Adams does not have a policy platform on her campaign website, though through NYC Votes she has identified her top three issues as the housing crisis, mental health, and education. In the two televised debates, she emphasized wanting a city where children grow up and can afford to stay, and said that she’s already doing that work in City Council. As Speaker, she championed the “City of Yes,” pro-housing legislation that seeks to cut through red tape to build 80,000 units of housing in the next 15 years.
LIABILITIES: As mentioned above, although Adams is a well-respected local leader, she launched her campaign late and so it is light on policy details or a cohesive pitch to voters. Being competent and drama-free might have been enough to win votes in a race against incumbent Eric Adams, but not compelling enough in a Mamdani-Cuomo referendum on the future of the Democratic party. In early June, Adams won the endorsement of 25 Hasidic sects in Borough Park, but six days later they flipped their endorsement to Cuomo, seemingly indicating that they don’t think Adams can beat Mamdani.
RANK HER IF: You want a well-respected, low-drama leader with good relationships across the city, and/or you are ready for NYC to finally have a woman mayor!
MAJOR ENDORSEMENTS: The Working Families Party (rank #3), Attorney General Letitia James (rank #1), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (rank #2), Rep. Nydia Velazquez (rank #2), NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams (rank #1), DC37, Unite Here Local 100; Communications Workers of America Local 1180, and a slate of other local officials.
Zellnor Myrie
WHO: A 38-year old lawyer born to two undocumented immigrants in Brooklyn, Zellnor Myrie has served as a state senator since 2019, representing Prospect-Lefferts Gardens and surrounding areas. During his time in the senate, he had helped pass voting rights legislation (including early voting), the Clean Slate Act (making it easier for people with a record to find employment), and tougher gun laws. Early in his career, he served as a Legislative Director in the New York City Council and worked on a tenants’ rights measure.
BIG IDEAS: Build one million homes (70,000 a year) through a mix of rezoning, renovating NYCHA housing, converting business space, creating new neighborhoods, and the reallocation of shelter funding; add 7000 more police officers to streets and subways; free afterschool until 6 PM; expand UPK to 6 PM; universal summer youth employment; aggressively litigate against federal government; protect and improve lives of Black New Yorkers (including homeownership and health/mental health).
LIABILITIES: Despite so many potential touchpoints in Myrie’s personal story — growing up in a rent-stabilized apartment, being a standout product of the NYC public school system, being a child of undocumented immigrants — Myrie has struggled to connect with voters the way his other 30-something rival has. Like Adrienne Adams, Myrie’s campaign strategy of positioning himself as a pragmatic progressive may have been a misread of this political moment.
RANK HIM IF: You want a mayor who’s a well-regarded legislator with working class roots in NYC or you’re a parent focused on childcare issues.
MAJOR ENDORSEMENTS: Myrie enjoys endorsements from most city progressive elected officials and organizations, though mostly at ranks #3, 4, and 5, including The Working Families Party (rank #4); DC37 (rank #3), UAW Region 9A (rank #4), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (rank #5), Rep. Nydia Velazquez (rank #5), Rep. Dan Goldman (rank #5), Attorney General Letitia James (rank #5).
Rank #5: Scott Stringer or Michael Blake
Scott Stringer and Michael Blake are both distant long-shots at this point in the race, even though each has put out some pretty robust policy proposals to tackle affordability and other pressing issues. While neither is likely to be the Democratic candidate, ranking them may prove pivotal to keeping Cuomo away from City Hall.
Scott Stringer
WHO: A 65 year-old from Manhattan born into city politics (his mother was a city councilmember and his father worked for City Hall), Scott Stringer spent almost 30 years as an elected official, including in the State Assembly, as Manhattan Borough President, and finally as City Comptroller where he pushed back against the de Blasio administration’s spending. He has made his decades of experience the centerpiece of his campaign.
BIG IDEAS: Add 3000 more police officers and a dedicated officer on every subway; crack down on city corruption by ending pay-to-play practices, restricting lobbying, and increasing city contract transparency; meet demand for 80,000 housing units a year through conversions, and by transforming and reclaiming land and property for housing; repair and modernize NYCHA housing; create a Tri-Share Childcare fund between the city, employers, and parents to make childcare affordable; extend school hours until 4:30 PM; universal free summer day camp for K-12; a $1 billion “Very Rainy Day” fund for the city to protect against federal interference.
LIABILITIES: Scott Stringer’s most realistic shot at becoming mayor was in 2021, when his campaign was derailed by two sexual harassment allegations late in the race. Despite suing his accusers for defamation and some loyal well-placed allies, he has since struggled to regain his reputation in city government, losing support of The Working Families party and much of the progressive establishment. The result is a candidate who seems grouchier and more worn down than he did four years ago.
RANK HIM IF: You don’t want Cuomo to win, and you want a relatively progressive mayor who really understands the ins and outs of city politics.
MAJOR ENDORSEMENTS: Rep. Jerry Nadler; Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (rank #4), Rep. Nydia Velazquez (rank #4), various local Democrat groups.
MICHAEL BLAKE
WHO: A 42-year old Reverend born to Jamaican immigrants in the Bronx, Michael Blake served in the NY State Assembly from 2014-2020 and as Vice chair of the Democratic National Committee from 2017-2020. Prior to being an elected official, Blake worked in politics in the Midwest and then in various campaign capacities for Barack Obama. He currently serves as CEO of a global management consultant group and as president of Next Level Sports, a black-owned sports network. Although Blake has consistently polled in the single digits, he got a minor boost this week when he and Mamdani cross-endorsed each other.
BIG IDEAS: Launch a guaranteed income pilot of up to $500 for neighborhoods most affected by economic insecurity; eliminate credit score requirement for rent or homeownership; change formula and raise income levels for affordable housing qualification; freeze rent; build 600,000 new middle class affordable housing, reserving units for veterans, college graduates, and native New Yorkers; establish a permanent Immigration Services Director; hire and deploy 1000 mental health workers and establish hubs in MTA; add 7000 police officers; increase police accountability; increase funding for Department of Education by 25%; universal childcare by expanding UPK to kids under 3 and extending to full day and full year.
LIABILITIES: Despite having a few breakout moments against Andrew Cuomo in the first televised debate, Blake did not qualify for the second debate due to regulations from the Campaign Finance Board and so missed out on an important chance to distinguish himself from the crowd of candidates. He has consistently polled in the single digits and his race is a long-shot. Although Blake has a lot of detailed policy proposals, they are light on information about how they would be funded, apart from using city cash reserves.
RANK HIM IF: You don’t want Cuomo to win, and you want a mayor thinking outside the box about economic justice.
MAJOR ENDORSEMENTS: Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani (cross-endorsed); State Sen. Gustavo Rivera (rank # 3, 4, or 5), Assembly Members George Alvarez (rank # 5), Emily Gallagher (rank # 3, 4, or 5), Phara Souffrant Forrest (rank #5), New York City Council Members Carmen De La Rosa (rank # 5) and Chi Osse (rank #2-5); UAW Region 91 (rank #5), Professional Staff Congress (rank # 4 or 5).
HAPPY VOTING! If you’ve already voted (or plan to), please tell me who you wound up ranking in the comments!