By: Hal C Clarke

Early voting kicked off in New York City on Saturday ahead of the June 24 Democratic primary, as voters begin to decide whether the next mayor will take the city in a more moderate direction or swing sharply to the left. The race is shaping up to be a fierce showdown, with former Governor Andrew Cuomo leading the crowded field, while socialist Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani continues to gain ground.

Cuomo, still topping most polls, has centered his campaign on experience and stability. Speaking after a rally at the National Action Network in Harlem, he dismissed Mamdani as unqualified for the job.

“You have to know how to make government work,” Cuomo said. “If you’ve never had a real job, you’ve passed just three bills, missed half the session – how are you ready to run New York City?”

Meanwhile, Mamdani, joined by Comptroller Brad Lander and over 200 supporters at a rally in Bryant Park, took direct aim at Cuomo’s past and his perceived lack of accountability. Protesters held signs with slogans like “No Kings, No Cuomo” and “Predator,” referencing sexual misconduct allegations Cuomo has repeatedly denied.

“One of the many things that unites Brad and I is our firm opposition to Andrew Cuomo,” Mamdani told the crowd.

“If you have leaders like Eric Adams, Andrew Cuomo, or Donald Trump, you are made to feel invisible.”

The June 24 Democratic primary could determine the city’s next mayor, as Democrats outnumber Republicans six to one in NYC. Under the city’s ranked-choice voting system, voters can select up to five candidates in order of preference. If no one wins a majority of first-choice votes, the lowest-ranked candidate is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed until a winner emerges.

Political consultant Hank Sheinkopf said that if Mamdani pulls off a win, “it would be the beginning of the permanent revolution,” predicting that his administration would slash NYPD funding, boost social programs, and launch costly, state-funded initiatives like free public transit and city-run grocery stores.

“This would swing the city all the way to the left,” Sheinkopf told the NY Post. “But it depends on whether his young, progressive base actually shows up to vote.”

Voters at early polling sites offered mixed views on the frontrunners. Charles Sturckun, a 74-year-old attorney, said he’s firmly behind Cuomo. “He has managerial experience. You need someone who can stand up to Washington,” he said.

Others disagreed. Sarah Schulman, a 66-year-old professor, said she supports Mamdani for his progressive proposals. “He’ll keep ICE out of our city, and I love his free transportation plan,” she said.

The Working Families Party has been actively mobilizing progressive voters, encouraging them to rank Mamdani first, followed by Lander, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, and State Senator Zellnor Myrie – while leaving Cuomo off their ballots, the NY Post reported.

Mayor Eric Adams, not up for re-election in the Democratic primary, is running as an independent in November. On WABC-AM Friday, he criticized several Democratic challengers for contributing to the city’s current problems.

“The issues that we have to fix came from those who were in Albany, like the governor, the assemblyman, the two state senators,” Adams said.

Beyond the mayoral race, early voting also covers key contests for comptroller, public advocate, City Council, borough presidents, and district attorneys.

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams faces a primary challenge from Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar and Wall Street investor Marty Dolan.