The late morning was sleepy but bright in Harlem as Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani delivered remarks at the First Corinthian Baptist Church for a last-minute outreach to the black community.
Just down the street, about fifty people had gathered to learn how to canvass for Mamdani and get a pep talk, along with a line of TV cameras and some enthusiastic members of the press. One man walked by singing “Cuomo, Cuomo,” mostly to the amusement of the crowd.
Suddenly he and his entourage walked onto the sidewalk. A school bus driver shouted, “Zohran” and the speedy candidate turned to the bus and stepped up for a hug and a selfie.
Democratic candidate for mayor of New York Zohran Mamdani with Rev. Al Sharpton at the National Action Network’s House of Justice in Harlem on November 1, 2025. (Ryan Murphy/Reuters)
It was the first time I’d ever seen Mamdani in person, and the bad news for those of us who abhor socialism is that this 34-year-old candidate has serious political skills, pressing the flesh effortlessly and effervescently with his signature toothy smile.
MAMDANI DANCING IN THE FINAL CAMPAIGN STRETCH, EXPLAINING THE SOCIALIST AFFORDABILITY MESSAGE FOR THE VOTES IN NYC
They had just stumbled upon the event, and when I asked Matt to elaborate on his thoughts, he told me, “He looks and sounds like a politician.” I asked if that was good or bad. He just smiled and shrugged, but added, “He looks very young too.”
Matt’s friend Cam told me, “He has a lot of appeal to the young crowd,” I couldn’t quite wrap my head around the millennial putting himself in that category. He continued: “and that’s good. It’s time for the young people’s ideas to be put to the test now.”
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While talking to some of the prospective candidates, there was something almost joyful about them. “We are all so excited for him,” someone told me. Another added: “I’ve never felt that way about a candidate before.”
The canvassers, mostly on the young side, looked much more like gentrifiers than lifelong residents of Harlem, but after all, that’s now part of the historic black neighborhood’s 21st-century identity.
Andrew Cuomo not only needs to win the black vote on Tuesday to have any chance, but he also needs to come out in droves. Chad, who I met on the corner at a bodega, did his best to help.
CUOMO REDUCES MAMDANI’S ADVANTAGE IN THE FINAL POLL FOR THE MAYORAL ELECTION IN NYC
I noticed him when I saw the end of a shouting match with an older black woman. I saw him handing out flyers and thought it was for Mamdani. In fact, he was there pushing campaign material for Cuomo.
WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 10: Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is sworn in to testify before the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic at the Rayburn House Office Building in the U.S. Capitol on September 10, 2024 in Washington, DC. Cuomo is expected to speak about his handling of the pandemic and controversial Covid-era nursing home policies, with Republicans set to scrutinize his role in the state’s response and allegations that nursing home deaths are too low. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images) (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
He told me that he had been in New York all his life, and that he was not ready for the kind of change that Mamdani is proposing. “Free stuff,” Chad said dismissively. “It takes money to keep the lights on…I’m tired of hearing people get things for free, free, free, what about the kids? What about the education system?”
I asked him about the confrontation with the woman and he said, “I understand that all the time. Some people just hate him and feel free to insult me.”
CUOMO CLOSES GAP ON MAMDANI NOW NYC MAYOR’S RACE DRAMATICALLY GAINED IN NEW POLL
I told him to stretch his upper lip, that what he was doing was important and how democracy works. He said, “Thanks, I needed to hear that.”
I was happy to be able to provide comfort, but I also immediately understood what a warning sign Cuomo’s story was. If older black women in Harlem task him with supporting the former governor, Cuomo’s backstop may not be as secure as it seems.
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Ultimately, political campaigns, for better or worse, run on enthusiasm. For as much common sense as Chad made in his defense of Cuomo, the gap in enthusiasm I’ve seen on the ground in recent days is as wide as the Grand Canyon.
Perhaps there is a silent majority, or in this case a majority, quietly pouring into the voting booths and filling the small circle for Cuomo. But if so, they’re doing a very good job of hiding so far.
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