Zohran Mamdani Mobilizes Support on Staten Island Ahead of Voting

As early voting approaches in New York City, supporters of mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani rallied at Borough Hall in St. George, Staten Island, on October 22, 2023. Volunteers mobilized to canvass the North Shore, engaging potential voters and amplifying support for Mamdani’s campaign.

During the event, Yesenia Mata from the New York Immigration Coalition Action emphasized the transformation anticipated for Staten Island in the coming years. “We know that in the next five to 10 years, the Island is going to be completely different,” she told the assembled crowd. “It will no longer be the forgotten borough, but it’s because of all of us, because we did this together.”

Urgency of Early Voting

With just six days remaining before early voting starts, former U.S. Representative Jamaal Bowman highlighted the importance of mobilizing voters. “It’s up to all of us to make sure we have record numbers with early voting,” he stated. Bowman urged attendees to register as many residents as possible before October 28, asserting, “It’s on all of us to make sure Zohran doesn’t just win Staten Island, but crushes it.”

Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes, a Democrat representing parts of Brooklyn, also joined the campaign efforts. She underscored the necessity of connecting with community members to address their concerns. “There’s also a lot of fear,” Mitaynes noted, reflecting on her canvassing experiences. Many business owners expressed ongoing struggles post-pandemic, highlighting the urgent need for economic support.

Among those contributing to the campaign was Shahana Masum of Mariners Harbor, who cited affordability as a key concern. “My three children were born here, and grew up here, and they left because they cannot afford it,” she explained. Masum’s children, all educated professionals, have faced significant financial challenges in the city.

Volunteer Ruben Sibri from West Brighton echoed Masum’s sentiments, emphasizing affordability as a critical issue. “I think it’s going to be surprising to people how strong the coalition here is on Staten Island,” Sibri stated, noting his positive interactions with residents during door-to-door canvassing.

Current Landscape of the Mayoral Race

The Staten Island mayoral race is intensifying as the October 2023 election approaches. With only three candidates remaining, campaigning has intensified. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, has made several appearances in the borough since mid-September. Cuomo is now the only independent candidate following the suspension of Mayor Eric Adams’ campaign.

Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa remains a prominent figure in Staten Island, frequently participating in various local events, including a recent press conference addressing speed camera enforcement. Recent polling data from Quinnipiac University indicates that Mamdani leads the mayoral race with 46% support, particularly following Adams’ withdrawal. However, Cuomo has gained momentum, rising to 33% citywide and surpassing Mamdani’s support on Staten Island.

In a previous Quinnipiac poll from September 10, Mamdani held 45% of the vote compared to Cuomo’s 23%, suggesting that Cuomo has successfully captured much of Adams’ former base. As the election date approaches, the dynamics of the race continue to shift, with candidates vying for the crucial support of Staten Island voters.