The city's mayoral race is drawing global attention as it could reshape local power structures and signal the future direction of the Democratic Party after recent national setbacks. Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old democratic socialist, leads the polls, aiming to implement progressive policies and become the first Muslim mayor. He faces competition from Andrew Cuomo, a former governor running as an independent, and Curtis Sliwa, a Republican activist. Voter turnout is high, with over 735,000 early ballots cast, and the outcome will be decided after polls close, potentially upending the current political dynamic.