The substance behind the slogans: Susan Kang on New York's mayoral race

This year's mayor's race has been full of surprises, but none more significant than the rise of Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo entered the race as the heavy favorite yet lost the Democratic primary badly and now trails in the polls as an independent candidate. Despite his high unfavorable ratings, Cuomo isn't out of the running just yet. How did a 34-year-old Queens assemblyman make such a huge splash in such a short time? And does Cuomo have the ability to close Mamdani's lead and cross the finish line first on Tuesday? Susan Kang, an associate professor of political science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY) and a member, like Mamdani, of the Democratic Socialists of America, joined NY1's Errol Louis to discuss the twists and turns of the mayor's race, early voting numbers, and how the DSA helped elevate Mamdani into a national figure. She also spoke about how she first got involved in politics and what she hopes the next administration will bring to New York City.

In October 1984, an NYPD officer fatally shot 66-year-old Eleanor Bumpurs during an eviction at her Bronx apartment. Bumpurs, a disabled mother and grandmother, became the face of a national outcry that helped spark one of the first anti–police brutality movements centered on a Black woman. Historian LaShawn Harris, who was 10 years old and living across the street at the time, revisits the tragedy in her new book, "Tell Her Story." Harris joined NY1's Errol Louis to discuss her decade of research and dozens of interviews, the intersection of police violence and mental health crises, and her effort to humanize Bumpurs while illuminating the lasting toll such events take on families and communities.

Like many New York City mayors, it's no secret that Eric Adams has had a challenging relationship with the press. And even though he's no longer in the race for mayor, Adams continues to spar with the City Hall press corps. Two people who know a thing or two about covering Adams, New York Times Metro reporter Dana Rubinstein and NY1 political reporter Kelly Mena, joined NY1's Errol Louis to talk about their years at City Hall, when and why Adams' relationship with the press began to deteriorate, how they approached covering him, why a now-dismissed federal corruption indictment was too much for him to recover from, and what his legacy will be.

Christine Quinn is a familiar name to anyone who follows New York City politics. A former Speaker of the City Council and 2013 mayoral candidate, she now serves as the president and CEO of WIN (Women In Need), the city's largest provider of shelter and supportive housing for families. Quinn joined Errol to discuss the impact of the federal government shutdown, Trump's so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" and what the city's next mayor must do to address the housing crisis. She highlighted WIN's work in providing both emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing, and underscored the challenges facing families, from eviction and low-wage jobs to domestic violence, that continue to drive homelessness in the city.

This week, NY1 presented a special podcast event "New York Decides: Live from Chelsea," featuring a crossover episode of its political podcasts "Off Topic/On Politics" and "You Decide." Hosted by NY1's Errol Louis, Courtney Gross and Bobby Cuza, the discussion centered on the latest developments in the New York City mayoral campaign, including the stunning announcement by Mayor Eric Adams that he's dropping out of the race. The program also featured interviews with Emmy Award–winning actress and activist Cynthia Nixon and J.C. Polanco, professor of law and former president of the New York City Board of Elections — who had very different takes on Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani. Rounding out the evening, Spectrum News political director Bob Hardt joined the panel to provide historical perspective on this year's race.

This week, NY1's Errol Louis joined Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani for a walking tour of Astoria, Queens. Their conversation focused on the city's affordability crisis, while also touching on topics ranging from property tax reform and rent stabilization to the challenges facing small businesses. Mamdani outlined his multi-pronged strategy: freezing rents, reducing insurance costs, overhauling the property tax system and expanding city support for local businesses. This marks the second in a series of neighborhood tours with leading mayoral candidates. Errol previously walked with Andrew Cuomo in his native Holliswood neighborhood in Queens, and NY1 is hoping to have similar conversations with Curtis Sliwa and Mayor Eric Adams.

Steve Kornacki, chief data analyst for NBC News and NBC Sports, has been a household name — and an unintentional fashion icon — when it comes to election nights, particularly during the 2020 presidential election, when his round-the-clock analysis at the big board became must-see TV. He is a regular on "Meet the Press" and "NBC Nightly News," while also bringing his signature data-driven approach to NBC Sports' coverage of the National Football League, March Madness, the Kentucky Derby and the Olympics. He joined NY1's Errol Louis to discuss his career and the intricacies of working with polling data, including concerns over accuracy. He also weighed in on the mayoral race in New York City, the differences in polling data between national and local elections and how the word socialism means something different today than it did decades ago. 

Kathy Wylde, the outgoing president and CEO of the Partnership for New York City, has been a central figure in the city's business community and the city's political scene for decades. Wylde has served as an advocate for the city's business sector, and she joined Errol Louis to discuss her nonprofit's mission, New York's fiscal outlook and the policies shaping the heated mayoral race. That includes property taxes, immigration and the need for affordable child care. Wylde also made the case for why the business community is imperative in addressing the issues that New Yorkers care about.

This week, independent candidate Jim Walden announced he was dropping out of the race for mayor. He said his decision was necessary because he does not want Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani to win the general election. Walden had entered the race as an attorney with experience as a federal prosecutor and a white-collar defense lawyer. He focused on policies such as increasing the police force and constructing affordable housing. He joined NY1's Errol Louis to discuss the decision to end his candidacy and why he feels Mamdani is a significant threat to New York City. Walden expressed strong concerns about Mamdani's anti-police stance, socialist/communist leanings, and what he perceives as antisemitic policies. The discussion also touched on rumors of political maneuvering, including the possibility of the White House offering positions to other candidates to influence the race.

Ruth Messinger needs no introduction to those who follow New York politics. Beginning in the 1970s, she built a more than 20–year career in public service, serving a decade on the New York City Council before becoming Manhattan borough president for eight years. In 1997, she made history as the first woman to win the Democratic nomination for mayor, defeating the Rev. Al Sharpton in a hard-fought primary. Beyond city politics, Messinger went on to lead the American Jewish World Service for nearly two decades and now serves as its inaugural Global Ambassador. Recently, Messinger has stepped back into the political arena, voicing her support for Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani — a striking move at a time when many veteran New York Democrats have held back.  She joined NY1's Errol Louis to reflect on her long career of activism and public service, explain why she believes Mamdani's election is essential despite hesitation in parts of the Jewish community, and share her hopes for a New York City where she thinks working-class people can once again thrive.