With only one week left until the New York City mayoral election, the candidates are intensifying their efforts to secure votes. Last Friday, Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani received the endorsement of Hakeem Jeffries, the House Minority Leader. Over the weekend, other candidates Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa were also actively campaigning.
Jeffries stated that he supports Mamdani due to the Democratic Party’s focus on “unity” and their alignment on issues of affordability in New York City. On Sunday, Jeffries elaborated on CBS, saying Mamdani’s commitment to retaining current New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch was a decisive factor. He emphasized the importance of public safety for all communities, including the security of the Jewish community.
However, the Jewish community does not believe Mamdani can adequately protect them. Last week, hundreds of New York rabbis came forward declaring that Mamdani as mayor would pose a “threat” to the Jewish community, expressing a preference for Cuomo.
On Cuomo’s platform, Jewish individuals posed for photos with him on Sunday to show their support. “It was a pleasure meeting with community leaders and residents of the area this morning,” Cuomo stated on Sunday. “Together, we can bring about real change to save this city.”
Last weekend was busy for all the candidates. Mamdani held a large rally at Forest Hills jointly with American Democratic Socialists, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Socialist rising star in the House, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
The rally prompted a last-minute parking ban around the Forest Hills Stadium by the New York City police, which sparked discontent among residents. “The city was well aware of this event because they had issued a public gathering permit. So why did the community receive notice less than 24 hours before?” local resident Jenna Cavuto wrote on X Channel. “Where is the planning and coordination?”
Resident Max Londner also strongly opposed the measure, calling it a “mess.” “Are you kidding me??? What about those who are not at home—those who might not be at home? How on earth can Forest Hills Tennis Stadium allow such an event?”
Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa was also busy campaigning. On Sunday, he and City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino visited Flushing University to prepare for Halloween activities together, portraying himself as “the most visible candidate in Queens.”