Zohran Mamdani Rallies Support Ahead of NYC Mayoral Election

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — As the New York City mayoral election approaches, volunteers for Zohran Mamdani‘s campaign rallied at Borough Hall in St. George on October 15, 2023. The event marked the start of a canvassing initiative aimed at engaging potential voters on Staten Island’s North Shore. Supporters gathered to discuss local issues and encourage voter participation ahead of early voting.

During the rally, Yesenia Mata from the New York Immigration Coalition Action addressed the crowd, emphasizing the transformative potential for Staten Island over the next decade. “We know that in the next five to ten years, the Island is going to be completely different. It will no longer be the forgotten borough, but it’s because of all of us, because we did this together,” she stated.

The urgency of voter mobilization was echoed by former U.S. Representative Jamaal Bowman, who spoke of the importance of increasing early voter turnout. “Six days before early voting begins, and it’s up to all of us to make sure we have record numbers with early voting,” he urged attendees.

Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes, representing parts of Brooklyn, also participated in the campaign efforts. She highlighted the significance of connecting with community members and addressing their concerns. “We are seeing a lot of people being supportive of the messaging, but there’s also a lot of fear,” Mitaynes remarked, noting that many local business owners are still recovering from the impacts of the pandemic.

Personal stories from attendees underscored the critical issue of affordability. Shahana Masum, a resident of Mariners Harbor, expressed her concern for her children, who have left the city due to high living costs. “My three children were born here and grew up here, and they left because they cannot afford it,” she explained, sharing her family’s educational achievements and the challenges they face in remaining in New York City.

Volunteer Ruben Sibri from West Brighton echoed similar sentiments, stating, “I think it’s going to be surprising to people how strong the coalition here is on Staten Island. I think affordability speaks to everyone.” His experience canvassing alone showed him the eagerness of residents to engage in political discourse.

As the mayoral race narrows, with only three candidates remaining, campaigning in Staten Island has intensified. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, now running as an independent, has made multiple visits to the borough since mid-September. His campaign has gained traction, particularly after the suspension of Mayor Eric Adams‘ campaign. Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa has also been actively engaging with Staten Island voters through various events.

Recent polling data from Quinnipiac University indicates that Mamdani leads the mayoral race with 46% support following Adams’ withdrawal. Cuomo has made significant gains, rising to 33% citywide and surpassing Mamdani on Staten Island. This trend suggests that Cuomo has attracted a substantial portion of Adams’ former supporters, particularly in this borough.

As the election date approaches, the focus remains on voter outreach and addressing the pressing concerns of Staten Island residents. The collaborative efforts seen at Mamdani’s rally reflect a broader desire for change and engagement in local governance. The race is shaping up to be a critical moment for the borough, as candidates seek to resonate with a diverse electorate eager for representation and solutions.