Early Voting Underway + Zohran Campaign Surging
No. 431 | Monday, June 16, 2025
The NYC Thorn is a weekly roundup of local political news compiled by members of NYC-DSA.
Volunteer for NYC-DSA-endorsed mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani and NYC-DSA-endorsed City Council candidate Alexa Aviles (District 38, Sunset Park)!
Election News
As early voting begins with a strong turnout, a new poll shows Zohran Mamdani closing in on Andrew Cuomo, signaling a tightening Mayoral race. Zohran made a closing argument at a rally with AOC and hundreds of supporters on Saturday.
Mayoral candidates Zohran and Michael Blake cross-endorsed a few days after Brad Lander and Zohran did the same, in a strategic move to consolidate the left vote against Cuomo.
A Jacobin piece argues that Zohran is building a working-class coalition that could redefine New York City politics. Mamdani also wrote an op-ed for City Limits urging voters to back a Mayor who will freeze rents and put tenants first.
A rallying cry to not "rank" Cuomo on ballots is gaining steam among voters who believe Cuomo would hike rents and harm working families if elected. Cuomo has received $2.5 million from a landlord-representing super PAC and has stated he opposes a rent freeze.
A pro-Cuomo super PAC with funding from Mike Bloomberg and registered Republican donors is spending $5.4 million on ads attacking Zohran.
The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) will not be endorsing in the Mayoral race due to divisions among its membership.
City Limits has published a guide breaking down each Mayoral candidate’s homelessness plan ahead of the primary.
Progressive council members are pushing back against developer-friendly YIMBY “abundance” money that is flooding city council races.
Local News
“No Kings” protests spread across NYC, drawing thousands protesting Trump, ICE raids, and the genocide in Gaza. Mayor Eric Adams is pushing to expand the city’s mask ban at protests following the large demonstrations.
Adams smoked cigars at Gracie Mansion while hosting a livestream with a far-right figure known for antisemitic remarks.
A New Yorker piece criticized NYPD’s entanglement with ICE, calling for a full severance of local cooperation. Sunset Park has been gripped by fear as rumors of an ICE crackdown spread, targeting local shops and restaurants. Meanwhile, court observers document a troubling rise in courthouse arrests in Lower Manhattan despite sanctuary policies.
A judge has blocked Mayor Adams from allowing ICE agents into Rikers Island, citing due process and safety concerns.
New York’s prison system is reportedly violating a solitary confinement law, especially after a recent staff strike.
State lawmakers pushing AI safeguards say their efforts may be undercut by federal preemption laws that favor corporate interests.
Lawmakers are demanding answers from NYCHA about nearly 6,000 vacant apartments left empty amid a housing crisis.
A City Limits op-ed argues it's time to pass the long-stalled Homeless Protection Act to shield unhoused New Yorkers from punitive policies. A recent report showed more residents entering the shelter system.
New York City’s pension investments in Tesla are causing anger among retirees.
Mayor Adams has ordered the removal of bike lane protections in Williamsburg, sparking outrage from safe streets advocates.
The hated forced broker fee is finally dead.
Help Get Out The Vote for Zohran!
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