If Instagram were the deciding factor for New York City’s next mayor, the race would already be decided.
Socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani has captured the attention of celebrities, with polls indicating he is poised for a decisive victory on Tuesday.
However, Mamdani’s reputation suffered a blow this week when it was revealed that he had repeatedly fabricated stories about a Muslim aunt who faced racial harassment in NYC post-9/11.
This revelation did not deter Hollywood actor Pedro Pascal, who encouraged his Instagram followers to support the Bronx-based politician in an Instagram Story this week.
Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o expressed her unwavering support, describing it as ‘an honor’ to vote for Mamdani in a recent interview. Jewish actor Mandy Patinkin also endorsed him, praising Mamdani as the ‘best NYC mayor imaginable.’
Despite Mamdani’s commitment to targeting the city’s wealthiest 1 percent, numerous celebrities have rallied behind him since his surprising primary victory in June.
Model Emily Ratajkowski posted a video endorsing him while wearing a ‘Hot Girls for Zohran’ T-shirt. Other supporters include Cynthia Nixon, singer Lorde, Pitch Perfect actor Ben Platt, and SNL stars Bowen Yang and Sarah Sherman.
On the other hand, support for Mamdani’s opponent, former NYC mayor Andrew Cuomo, is much harder to come by.
If the next mayor of New York City were decided on Instagram, Zohran Mamdani (pictured today) would already have it in the bag
Mamdani with Lupita Nyong’o (right) who is one of the socialists’ famous backers
Once the Democratic standard-bearer, Cuomo is now running as an independent after losing to Mamdani.
His only high-profile endorsement comes from disgraced director Woody Allen, who recently said on a podcast that Cuomo would do a ‘much better job .’
Despite his Oscar wins, Allen is hardly the endorsement Cuomo would want.
Cuomo is attempting a comeback after resigning over sexual harassment allegations, while Allen has faced similar accusations and controversially married his spouse’s daughter.
‘I’m gonna vote. I’m gonna vote for Cuomo,’ the 89-year-old lifelong New Yorker said on the ‘Honesty with Bari Weiss’ podcast in September.
‘I think Cuomo will do a much better job. Cuomo will be much better for New York. He’ll be much more efficient and he’ll be much more, he’ll just do a better job.’
Allen added that while Mamdani’s heart is in the right place, he lacks the experience to get things done.
A new Emerson College/PIX11/The Hill poll shows Mamdani has cemented a huge lead with five days to go.
Emily Ratajkowski posted a video endorsing Mamdani while wearing a ‘Hot Girls for Zohran’ T-shirt in June
SNL star Bowen Yang shows his support for the mayoral frontrunner
The 34-year-old candidate holds a 25-point advantage over Cuomo, 50 percent to 25 percent, with Republican Curtis Sliwa at 21 percent.
Mamdani’s support has grown seven points since last month’s poll, while Sliwa gained 11 points.
Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, said Mamdani’s lead is ‘built on a coalition across key demographics’ in the city, including increasing his lead with black voters.
Mamdani’s support among Black voters has risen from 50 percent in September to 71 percent, while Cuomo dropped 10 points.
Among voters under 50, 69 percent plan to back Mamdani. Early voters have also favored him, with 33 percent casting ballots for the socialist candidate.
Voters cited threats to democracy as the top issue in this year’s mayoral election (30 percent), followed by the economy (25 percent) and housing affordability (14 percent).
Woody Allen (with wife Soon-Yi Previn Allen earlier this month) has backed Cuomo
Mamdani, 34, holds a significant 25 point lead over former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (left) with Republican Curtis Sliwa (center) coming in third
Mamdani’s lead has persisted despite a push from wealthy donors and conservative groups to derail his campaign.
Many high earners have begun moving out of the city in anticipation of his proposed policies, including plans to raise taxes on the wealthy.
‘There is no question that there are people who are hedging that in the event Mamdani is elected they will step out of New York,’ Douglas Elliman luxury realtor Frances Katzen told Daily Mail.
Luxury buyers are also hesitating on new apartment purchases. ‘Two weeks ago, I had a couple of buyers in the $3, $4 and $5 million price range — one I was selling a building to — who are no longer interested in buying,’ said realtor Jay Batra. ‘These people are not thrilled about the possibility of Mamdani winning.’
