In the 2025 New York City mayoral race, the contest is no longer just between progressive candidate Zahran Mamdani and establishment-backed Andrew Cuomo—it has become a struggle between the collective power of ordinary people and the overwhelming influence of billionaire wealth.
As election day nears, the polling gap between Mamdani and Cuomo has narrowed dramatically. This shift follows a massive influx of money from America’s wealthiest elites—an effort to block progressive change and protect entrenched privilege.
The race has evolved into a defining moment for the city’s future, testing whether the people’s voice can withstand an unprecedented flood of corporate and billionaire spending.
Poll Numbers: Momentum vs. Money
Throughout the fall, Zahran Mamdani maintained a strong lead, backed by progressives, youth, and communities of color—voters demanding bold structural reform. But his advantage has faded as conservative establishment forces rallied around Cuomo, buoyed by billionaire-funded super PACs.
This surge didn’t happen organically—it was the result of a coordinated campaign by America’s richest individuals, who invested heavily in media influence, fear-based messaging, and targeting of older and affluent voters.
Billionaires at the Heart of the Campaign
A total of 26 billionaires have played central roles in financing efforts against Mamdani. Donations favoring Cuomo—or opposing Mamdani—have exceeded $22 million, reshaping the city’s political landscape.
Major Contributors:
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Joe Gebbia (Airbnb Co-founder): Donated $2 million to anti-Mamdani PACs and led public efforts to consolidate establishment support for Cuomo.
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Bill Ackman (Wall Street Investor): Contributed $1.25 million to remove Mamdani, using his media platforms to promote anti-progressive narratives.
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The Lauder Family (Estée Lauder): Provided large sums and leveraged their media influence for Cuomo’s campaign.
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Steve Wynn (Casino Magnate): Donated $500,000 to right-wing campaigns opposing Mamdani.
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Alice Walton (Walmart Heiress): Pledged $200,000 to block wealth-tax proposals.
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Tisch and Daniel Loeb Families: Added hundreds of thousands to reinforce establishment power and weaken grassroots momentum.
These donations have funded an aggressive media campaign portraying Mamdani as a “radical threat” to New York’s future—weaponizing fears over safety, taxes, and immigration.
Media Manipulation and Racial Fear-Mongering
Billionaire control extends deep into New York’s media ecosystem—through direct ownership, advertising, and editorial influence. Streets and social media feeds are flooded with fear-driven ads laced with racist and Islamophobic undertones, targeting Muslim and Asian communities.
Mamdani’s outspoken defense of Palestinian rights and advocacy for Arab and Muslim dignity have been distorted into false narratives that depict him as “divisive.” Such rhetoric is not just political—it’s part of a deliberate campaign to silence marginalized voices and sow division within diverse neighborhoods.
This strategy reveals how economic elites weaponize racial fear to maintain political dominance, undermining the democratic ideals of equality and justice.
A Call to the Arab and Muslim Community—and All Who Seek Justice
The billionaire-led smear campaigns should serve as a wake-up call for Arab, Muslim, and all justice-oriented voters. These efforts aim not just to defeat a progressive candidate—but to suppress diverse voices and preserve a system built on inequality.
For those who believe in dignity, equality, and solidarity, this election represents a moral stand against moneyed corruption. The fight for Mamdani’s vision is a fight for a city that belongs to everyone, not just the wealthy few.
Conclusion: Democracy on the Line
The 2025 New York mayoral election has become an existential battle between the voice of conscience and the power of capital. Billionaires may flood the race with money—but they cannot buy the collective will for justice and change.
Voting for Zahran Mamdani is more than a political choice—it is a stand against hate, greed, and elitism. It is a declaration that New York belongs to all who live in it, not just those who can afford to own it.