So you're wondering who's running for mayor of NYC? Yeah, me too. As someone who's covered city politics for over a decade, I still get that buzz every election cycle. This time feels different though - we've got some real characters in the mix. Last week I was stuck behind campaign volunteers on the 6 train handing out flyers, and honestly? Half the commuters looked totally confused about who these people even were.
That's why I'm breaking down everything about the NYC mayoral race. Forget the political spin - I've been to three debates already and watched candidates dodge questions like pigeons dodging tourists in Times Square. Whether you're a lifelong New Yorker or just moved here last month, this guide will give you the real deal on who might run our city next.
NYC Mayor Race at a Glance
- Election Date: November 4, 2025
- Primary: June 2025 (date TBD)
- Current Mayor: Eric Adams (term-limited)
- Key Issues: Affordability, public safety, housing crisis, migrant shelters
- Registered Voters: About 4.7 million (as of 2024)
The Frontrunners: Who Actually Has a Shot
Look, I've seen mayoral races where clear favorites emerge early. This ain't one of them. Polls keep bouncing around like a basketball at Rucker Park. Still, these five have separated themselves from the pack - for now anyway.
Kathryn Garcia
Remember her? Former Sanitation Commissioner who almost beat Adams last time. She's back, and honestly? I like her practical approach. During the pandemic, she actually fixed things while others just talked. Saw her speaking at a community board meeting in Queens last month - no fancy suit, just rolled-up sleeves explaining garbage collection reforms. Refreshing.
| Party | Experience | Top Priorities | Controversies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Democrat | • Former Sanitation Commissioner • Emergency Food Czar during COVID |
• Waste management overhaul • Small business support • Affordable housing expansion |
Got criticized for supporting some of Adams' policies |
Her housing plan's pretty bold - wants to convert empty offices to apartments. Sounds great, but I asked her about plumbing issues in those conversions and she gave me a 10-minute technical answer. Impressive but... maybe too detailed?
Curtis Sliwa
Yeah, the Guardian Angels founder is running again. His red beret is basically part of the NYC political landscape at this point. Love him or hate him, you gotta admit he's consistent. Saw him walking through Brownsville at 2 AM last week talking to store owners about security. That's dedication.
| Party | Experience | Top Priorities | Controversies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | • Guardian Angels founder • Radio personality • 2021 mayoral candidate |
• Crime reduction • Supporting NYPD • Homelessness solutions |
Some consider his tactics outdated Multiple cats in his apartment (seriously) |
His "Subway Safety Squad" idea? Not sure how that'd work with MTA regulations. But he does understand street-level issues better than most suits at City Hall.
The Wild Cards: Could They Surprise Us?
These three might not lead polls today, but NYC elections love an underdog. Remember de Blasio coming from nowhere in 2013?
Zellnor Myrie
State Senator from Brooklyn who's built serious momentum. I first noticed him during the 2020 protests - dude actually marched with protesters instead of just issuing statements. His Brooklyn roots show when he talks.
*Personal rant: Saw him at a town hall where someone asked about subway delays. Instead of political fluff, he pulled out his MetroCard - "I ride this train every day just like you." Small thing, but politicians rarely do that.*
| Party | Experience | Top Priorities | Controversies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Democrat | • NY State Senator since 2019 • Former community organizer |
• Tenant protections • Transit improvements • Climate resilience |
Some business groups say his policies would hurt development |
Maya Wiley
Civil rights attorney who ran in 2021 too. She's sharp as a tack but sometimes talks over people's heads. At a Harlem rally last month, she gave this amazing speech about digital inequality... then lost half the crowd with broadband policy details.
| Party | Experience | Top Priorities | Controversies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Democrat | • MSNBC legal analyst • Former counsel to Mayor de Blasio |
• Social justice reforms • Internet as public utility • Police accountability |
Criticized for management issues during previous city role |
Key Dates You Can't Miss
Seriously, mark these in your phone right now. Every election I meet people who missed deadlines because they didn't know.
Voter Registration
Deadline: 25 days before primary/election
You can do this online now - takes 5 minutes. Don't be like my cousin Vinny who showed up at polls last year only to learn he wasn't registered.
Primary Election
Expected: June 2025 (exact date pending)
This decides who makes it to November. Where it gets messy? Democrats allow ranked-choice voting now. More options, but confusing as heck if you're not prepared.
General Election
November 4, 2025
The big one. Polls open 6AM-9PM. Bring coffee - some lines get crazy.
The Issues That Actually Matter
Forget the campaign slogans. After talking to hundreds of New Yorkers, here's what they really care about:
Affordability Crisis
My barber in Astoria just got his rent raised 40%. Forty! The candidates all claim they'll fix housing, but how?
| Candidate | Rent Control Plan | New Housing Targets | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garcia | Extend protections to more buildings | 50,000 units/year | Practical but may not satisfy activists |
| Sliwa | Tax breaks for landlords who freeze rents | Focus on "zoning reform" | Vague on numbers - concerning |
| Myrie | Good Cause Eviction law statewide | 100,000 units/year | Ambitious - maybe too ambitious? |
| Wiley | Strengthen tenant legal services | 75,000 units/year | Strongest on tenant rights |
Public Safety Dilemma
This one's tricky. Some want more cops, others want reform. What's working?
- Subway Safety: Garcia pushes mental health teams instead of police - tested well in pilot programs
- Retail Theft: Sliwa's organizing merchant patrols - old school but effective in some areas
- Gun Violence: Myrie's prevention programs show promise in Brooklyn hotspots
Funny story - Wiley and Sliwa got into it at a Bronx debate about stop-and-frisk. Thought they might throw punches.
Who Else Might Jump In?
Rumors fly around city politics like rats in the subway. Here's the latest scuttlebutt:
| Potential Candidate | Current Role | Likelihood | What I'm Hearing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jumaane Williams | Public Advocate | Medium | His office won't deny rumors but fundraising hasn't started |
| Andrew Yang | 2021 candidate | Low | Says he's done with NYC politics after last run |
| Christine Quinn | Former Council Speaker | High | Multiple sources confirm she's hiring staff |
*Personal opinion: If Quinn runs, this whole race changes. She's got establishment connections Garcia can only dream about.*
How to Actually Vote in NYC
Sounds simple? Not always. Last election over 100,000 ballots got tossed due to mistakes. Don't be one of them.
Voting Options Explained
In-Person: Find your poll site at nyc.pollsitelocator.com
Early Voting: 10 days before election - shorter lines!
Absentee Ballots: Must apply 15 days before election
Pro tip: Check your registration status NOW at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov. Found out my neighbor was still registered at his childhood address... from 1998.
FAQs: What Real People Are Asking
Can a Republican win NYC?
Statistically tough - Dems outnumber GOP 7-to-1. But Bloomberg did it three times! Sliwa's best hope is if Democrats fracture their vote badly.
Who's funding these campaigns?
Garcia and Wiley using public matching funds. Sliwa self-funding part of his campaign. Watch city Campaign Finance Board filings for updates.
How does ranked-choice voting work?
Instead of picking one candidate, you rank up to five. If no one gets 50%, bottom candidates get eliminated and votes redistributed. Still confused? NYC has decent explainer videos.
What happened to Eric Adams?
Term limits prevent him from running again. His approval rating's below 40% anyway after a rocky term.
Will this affect my rent?
Potentially. The mayor appoints Rent Guidelines Board members who set rent increases for stabilized apartments. Huge power.
Where to Get Non-BS Information
Trust me, not all sources are equal. Here's where I go:
- NYC Campaign Finance Board: Nonpartisan candidate guides with actual policy positions
- Gotham Gazette: Deep policy analysis without sensationalism
- Street Debates: Seriously - best insights come from listening outside subway stations
Skip cable news soundbites. Last week I saw a clip where they cut Garcia's housing plan to 8 seconds. Useless.
Why This Election Matters More Than Usual
Look, NYC's at a crossroads. We're still recovering from COVID, dealing with migrant influx, watching stores close because of thefts. The next mayor inherits all this plus:
- $98 billion budget that's looking shaky
- NYC Housing Authority needing $40 billion in repairs
- Subway system requiring massive upgrades
Whoever wins won't just manage - they'll reshape the city for decades. Scary? Yeah. But exciting too. That's why knowing who is running for mayor of NYC matters so much.
*Final thought: My mailman asked me yesterday who he should vote for. Told him to ignore the ads and look at who actually fixed stuff before. Common sense beats flashy promises every time in this town.*
Leave a Message