Who's on the ballot in the NYC mayor election? Meet the Democratic primary candidates.
The election for New York City mayor took a critical step forward Tuesday as Democratic voters hits the polls for the June 2025 primary.
CBS News estimates some 1.1 million voted in the primary, most of them in person Tuesday. That's more than a third of registered Democrats, and is more people than turned out in the 2021 primary.
Eleven Democratic candidates are running to replace incumbent New York City Mayor Eric Adams in a crowded primary. Adams is running for reelection as an independent, so he bypasses the primary and will face the winner of the Democratic field, along with Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa and fellow independent candidate Jim Walden, in the November general election.
If former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo loses the Democratic primary, he may still appear on the November ballot as an independent. If state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani loses, he may still appear for the Working Families Party.
Reminder, the primary is using ranked choice voting, which is expected to impact when we will learn the results.
Get to know the Democratic candidates and where they stand on the issues with these in-depth interviews from CBS News New York's Political Reporter Marcia Kramer on "The Point."
NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams
New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams hopes to break the glass ceiling and become the first woman mayor to live in Gracie Mansion -- and the first woman of color.
In our April interview, Adams spoke about suing to keep ICE off Rikers Island and the deadline to close the jail complex, her plan to provide guaranteed income for homeless families, threats of federal tariffs and funding cuts, Mayor Eric Adams' (no relation) decision to run as an independent and his relationship with the White House, navigating the city's budget negotiations, how to handle quality of life concerns, and NYPD staffing and overtime strains.
Her message to New Yorkers: "I am the leader that will do that work -- the leader that's already been doing that work. And all I have to say, wife, mother, grandmother, give it to the woman, and we're going to get things done, just move me over into that side of City Hall."
CLICK HERE to watch the full interview, and CLICK HERE for more from her campaign.
Former state Assemblyman Michael Blake
Michael Blake worked for former President Barack Obama and represented the Bronx in the New York State Assembly. Now, he wants to be mayor.
"I'm the only person who has federal, state and local experience," he said in our February interview. "When you think about who has to be a mayor, a mayor is a manager. We're talking about a $100 billion dollar enterprise of a city where we can transform what's possible."
He went on to speak about Mayor Adams' relationship with President Trump, which he called "unacceptable," and how to make the city more affordable under his plan for "guaranteed income" and "local median income," along with affordable housing, universal child care, and bringing back businesses to drive commercial revenue. He also shared his thoughts on some cost-saving policies from other candidates, and the impact of Canadian tariffs on local utilities.
CLICK HERE to watch the full interview, and CLICK HERE for more from his campaign.
Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo
Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo made a big splash when he entered the race in March and has been polling as the frontrunner ever since.
In his June interview, he said believes his past relationship with Mr. Trump would benefit New Yorkers, but the president must be willing to help.
"I've dealt with President Trump. I think he has a respect for me and for New York. I think that's important. I don't think he wants to pick a fight that he can't handle, and he knows when he fights with New York, it gets very difficult very quickly," Cuomo said.
As governor during Mr. Trump's first term, Cuomo said they had disagreements but found common ground.
"We had a number of fights during COVID, etc. On the flip side, there were situations where I went to him and I asked for help," said Cuomo. "I asked for help to rebuild the train tunnels going across the Hudson River, etc. I think there are infrastructure projects that he could help with, if he was interested."
Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who has largely stayed out of mayoral politics since leaving office, came forward to endorse Cuomo, pointing to his experience and leadership as governor.
"In sizing up the field in the race for mayor, there is one candidate whose management experience and government know-how stand above the others: Andrew Cuomo," Bloomberg said in a statement.
Cuomo announced he would run on both the Democratic and independent tickets, so he can be on the ballot in November whether he wins the primary or not. He was a favorite punching bag during the debates, as the other candidates repeatedly brought up his sexual harassment scandal.
Cuomo was forced to resign as governor in 2021 after the state attorney general's office found he sexually harassed nearly a dozen women and created a hostile work environment. He denied the allegations but ultimately stepped down in the face of an impeachment investigation.
His administration was also accused of lying about the number of nursing home residents who died during the COVID pandemic, and he is currently under investigation by the Department of Justice.
CLICK HERE to watch Cuomo's interview on "The Point." CLICK HERE for more from his campaign.
NYC Comptroller Brad Lander
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander thinks it's time for new leadership at City Hall.
A panel of New York Times opinion experts has ranked him the best overall choice for the job. Lander and Mamdani also cross-endorsed one another in the race, in part to unite against Cuomo.
Lander was later arrested by ICE agents while observing immigration court in Lower Manhattan, where many of his fellow candidates were quick to come to his defense. He was released, and no charges were filed.
In our February interview, he addressed Mr. Trump's threats to kill congestion pricing, Mayor Adams' since-dropped corruption case, Cuomo's decision to join the race, and his plan for ethics reform at City Hall.
Lander went on to speak about the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration and the economic impact, how to address homelessness and mental illness with supportive housing, a plan to use the city pension fund to help municipal employees buy homes, and how to increase voter participation and spread his message.
CLICK HERE to watch the full interview, and CLICK HERE for more from his campaign.
State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani
State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani represents part of Queens and recently earned the endorsements of Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the race. The democratic socialist has built a campaign based on lowering the cost of living, including a rent freeze on stabilized units.
The latest polls have shown him climbing against Cuomo, and if there's a candidate who appears most likely to defeat the former governor in the primary, he may be it.
A new Emerson College poll has them neck-and-neck, with Cuomo slightly ahead in the first round of results, but Mamdani ultimately winning after eight ranked-choice elimination rounds. Another new poll shows Cuomo winning after seven rounds with 52% over Mamdani at 28%.
In our March interview, Kramer asked Mamdani about Mayor Adams' corruption scandal and turnover in his administration, what he thinks about Cuomo and Speaker Adams joining the race, and how he would fund his plans for free buses and universal free child care. He also spoke about fighting federal funding cuts, his push to get younger voters to the polls, raising the corporate tax rate, bipartisan politics and what brings him hope.
In addition to cross-endorsing Lander, the assemblyman has also cross-endorsed Blake.
CLICK HERE to watch the full interview, and CLICK HERE for more from his campaign.
State Sen. Zellnor Myrie
State Sen. Zellnor Myrie took over Eric Adams' state Senate seat in 2019, and now he wants to do it again.
"I'm a New Yorker through and through," he said in our January interview.
Myrie, who represents part of Brooklyn, said he would focus on making the city safer and more affordable, including a lofty plan to build a million apartments and a law enforcement strategy that includes more police officers. He went on to discuss how to address mental illness on the streets and subways, Mayor Adams' progress on public safety and the mayor's relationship with Mr. Trump, saying the city needs fresh leadership with "integrity" and is "serious about the job."
He also spoke about how to address the MTA's budget gap in Albany, Gov. Kathy Hochul's inflation refund checks, threats to the state's sanctuary laws, and the deadline to close Rikers Island.
CLICK HERE to watch the full interview, and CLICK HERE for more from his campaign.
State Sen. Jessica Ramos
State Sen. Jessica Ramos also thinks the clock has run out on Mayor Adams' administration. While she is still in the race, she made a stunning announcement to endorse Cuomo, telling her supporters to rank him No. 1 on the ballot due to her low polling numbers and inability to raise money. It was a surprising turnaround for someone who was once one of Cuomo's harshest critics.
She said she now believes Cuomo is the best person to take on Mr. Trump.
"We need serious governing. We need delivery over dogma. Knowing how to govern matters, and that's why I'm endorsing Andrew Cuomo for mayor today," Ramos said. "This wasn't an easy decision."
In our January interview, Ramos said her record is what sets her apart, pointing to legislation to raise the minimum wage and expand child care affordability. She answered questions about housing and "City of Yes," her plan for property tax reform, addressing safety and mental illness on the subway. She went on to speak about taxing billionaires, as well as helping small businesses, funding the MTA's capital plan in the state budget, and some more personal questions, like why she doesn't have a drivers license.
CLICK HERE to watch the full interview, and CLICK HERE for more from her campaign.
Former NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer
Former New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer ran for mayor once before, now he thinks the second time is the charm.
In our interview from last December, he said he would lead with "competence," referencing former Mayor Ed Koch's 1997 campaign slogan.
Stringer answered questions about Mr. Trump's mass deportation threats, his plan to align policing and mental health services, building affordable housing and supporting congestion pricing. He said he would be "the streets mayor" and look to expand the bus network and fair fares program.
CLICK HERE to watch the full interview, and CLICK HERE for more from his campaign.
Businessman Whitney Tilson
Whitney Tilson spent his childhood in Tanzania and Nicaragua, climbs mountains for sport and participated in the Stanford marshmallow challenge -- making him a mayoral candidate like no other.
In our January interview, the former hedge fund manager spoke about his "disappointment" in Mayor Adams, taking a hyper localized approach to public safety, growing the city's economy by making it more business friendly (calling the loss of the potential Amazon headquarters in Long Island City, Queens "crazy"), and how to address the cost of living and housing affordability.
He also shared his thoughts on improving schools and called for lifting the cap on charter schools. He went on to speak about spending on asylum seekers, and said he supports deporting serious criminals under the current sanctuary laws.
CLICK HERE to watch the full interview, and CLICK HERE for more from his campaign.
Additional Democratic candidates Dr. Selma Bartholomew and Paperboy Love Prince did not appear on "The Point."
Candidates for NYC public advocate, comptroller
In order to vote in the primary, you must be registered as either a Democrat or Republican.
The Democratic ballot includes citywide elections for public advocate and comptroller. Some districts will also vote for borough president, City Council, district attorney, supreme court and civil judges.
Incumbent Public Advocate Jumaane Williams is running for reelection against Democratic challengers Marty Dolan and Jenifer Rajkumar.
The Democratic primary for comptroller features Justin Brannan, Mark Levine, Kevin Parker and Ismael Perez. The Republican primary features Peter Kefalas and Danniel Maio.
CLICK HERE to look up a sample ballot for your party and district.
