Zohran Mamdani has taken a commanding lead in New York City’s mayoral fundraising battle, nearly doubling the haul of his closest rivals. The democratic socialist, who secured the Democratic nomination in June, pulled in more than $1 million in just six weeks. His financial momentum, combined with strong polling numbers, has intensified pressure on rivals Andrew Cuomo, Eric Adams, and Curtis Sliwa as the November election draws closer.
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Fundraising Breakdown
The New York City Campaign Finance Board announced Mamdani raised $1,051,200 between early July and mid-August, with an average donation of $121 split evenly between in-state and out-of-state supporters. Cuomo brought in $541,301, with a much larger average contribution of $646. Independent incumbent Eric Adams reported $425,181 in donations, averaging $770 per donor, while Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa collected $407,332.
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Polling Advantage Grows
Mamdani’s dominance in fundraising mirrors his growing lead in the polls. A Siena poll last week placed him 19 points ahead of Cuomo, his nearest competitor. Data from Decision Desk HQ’s 12-poll average shows Mamdani consistently ahead by 13 points. The strong showing underscores how his grassroots-driven campaign has gained traction with New Yorkers seeking an alternative vision for the city.
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Progressive Policy Agenda
Mamdani has built his campaign on a bold left-wing platform. His proposals include rent freezes on nearly a million rent-stabilized apartments, free childcare, city-run grocery stores, and no-cost buses. He has also called for higher taxes on Columbia University and New York University to subsidize city colleges and trade schools. These proposals have energized progressive voters while drawing criticism from opponents.
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Grassroots Strategy and Funds
Earlier this year, Mamdani asked his supporters to stop donating and instead focus on volunteering. Despite that pause, his campaign now has $4.4 million on hand, with an additional $2.2 million available through public matching funds. His campaign’s grassroots approach, coupled with significant outside support, including a $250,000 PAC donation from Elizabeth Simons, daughter of billionaire Jamie Simons, has helped maintain his financial advantage.
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Rivals Facing Setbacks
Adams has been barred from receiving matching funds after the city finance board determined he violated campaign finance laws. Cuomo, meanwhile, has begun transferring money from a $7.5 million state account to support his city bid, leaving him with $1.2 million on hand and $400,000 in expected public funds. Sliwa, who lags behind both financially and in polling, has little sign of momentum as the race heats up.
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Mounting Pressure to Withdraw
With Mamdani’s lead growing, pressure is building on Adams and Sliwa to exit the race. Both, however, have insisted they will stay in. Adams repeated his refusal last week even after his close adviser, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, was indicted in a political-favors scandal. Cuomo has similarly remained defiant, telling supporters Friday that “a lot is going to happen” before November and predicting Mamdani’s popularity will collapse once voters learn more about him.
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Trump, Cuomo, and Attacks
Politico reported that Cuomo suggested at a fundraiser that Republican leaders, including Donald Trump, could urge GOP voters to back him over Sliwa to block Mamdani, whom Trump has branded “a 100% Communist Lunatic.” Mamdani shot back, calling himself “Donald Trump’s worst nightmare” and accusing Cuomo of lying about his dealings with the former president. “It’s par for the course for Andrew Cuomo,” Mamdani said Tuesday, escalating the bitter war of words.