Mamdani’s Moment? NYC’s Election Eve Predictions

On the eve of Election Day in New York City, Juan Manuel Benítez convenes three sharp minds from the New York Editorial Board—Christina Greer (FAQ NYC), Josh Greenman (Vital City), and Nicole Gelinas (Manhattan Institute)—to dissect what’s driving this race: Zohran Mamdani’s momentum, Andrew Cuomo’s bet on negativity, Curtis Sliwa’s recalibration, and whether the city is voting for policy or for an idea. We get honest about polling blind spots, youth and Muslim/ South Asian mobilization, public safety as the make-or-break metric, and how a disciplined campaign meets the hard math of governing. Plus: fast takes on Ballot Proposal 6 and three book picks to keep your New York brain fed.GuestsChristina Greer — Political scientist; co-host, FAQ NYCJosh Greenman — Managing Editor, Vital CityNicole Gelinas — Senior Fellow, Manhattan InstituteBook RecommendationsVincent J. Cannato, The Ungovernable City (Greer)Nicole Gelinas, Movement (Greenman’s pick)Jonathan Mahler, The Gods of New York and Ladies and Gentlemen, The Bronx Is Burning (Gelinas)LinksNew York Editorial Board breakfast interviews: nyeditorialboard.substack.comColumbia Journalism School's election coverage: cjspolitics.substack.comCreditsHost: Juan Manuel Benítez • Recorded at Columbia University in New York City