New York City just finished one of the wildest political rides in its history. If you've been asking when is ny election for mayor, the answer is that it actually just happened. The general election took place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
Honestly, the energy on the streets was unlike anything we've seen in decades. It wasn't just another Tuesday. It was a massive shift in how the city breathes. Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democratic State Assemblyman from Queens, pulled off what many pundits called "the impossible." He didn't just win; he became the first Muslim and first South Asian mayor of the five boroughs.
When Was the NY Election for Mayor and Who Won?
The timeline for the 2025 cycle was a marathon. It started with a primary on June 24, 2025, where Mamdani shocked the establishment by defeating heavyweights like former Governor Andrew Cuomo and City Comptroller Brad Lander.
Cuomo didn't just walk away, though. He stayed in the race as an independent under his own "Fight and Deliver" party line. This set up a high-stakes rematch for the general election in November.
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The final results were certified in December. Mamdani secured 50.8% of the vote. Andrew Cuomo trailed with 41.3%, and Republican Curtis Sliwa—the Guardian Angels founder who seems to be on every ballot—pulled in about 7%. It was a tight race, especially in places like Staten Island where Cuomo actually led, but Mamdani’s coalition of young voters and progressive organizers in Brooklyn and Queens pushed him over the finish line.
Key Dates from the 2025 Cycle
- June 14 – June 22, 2025: Early voting for the primary.
- June 24, 2025: Primary Election Day (Ranked-Choice Voting in full effect).
- October 25 – November 2, 2025: Early voting for the general election.
- November 4, 2025: The General Election.
- January 1, 2026: Inauguration Day.
The Chaos of the 2025 Candidates
You really can't talk about this election without mentioning the drama surrounding the incumbent. Eric Adams, the mayor before Mamdani, had a rough year. Between legal investigations and dipping poll numbers, he eventually suspended his campaign in late September 2025.
But here’s the kicker: his name stayed on the ballot.
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He had missed the deadline to be removed, so even though he wasn't technically running anymore, thousands of New Yorkers still cast votes for him. It didn't change the outcome, but it definitely added a layer of "only in New York" confusion to the whole thing.
Mamdani's platform was basically built on radical change. He talked about a $1 billion Department of Community Safety and freezing rents. On the other side, Cuomo and Sliwa hammered him on "law and order," but the voters—especially the younger ones—seemed ready for something completely different.
What Happens Now?
Since Zohran Mamdani was sworn in on January 1, 2026, the focus has shifted from "when is the election" to "what is the mayor doing." His first few weeks have been a whirlwind of cabinet appointments, including naming Midori Valdivia to lead the Taxi and Limousine Commission.
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If you are looking ahead to the next time you can vote for mayor, you’ll have to wait a while. NYC mayors serve four-year terms.
The next NYC mayoral election is scheduled for 2029.
Unless there is a special election—which only happens if the mayor leaves office early—the city won't be heading back to the polls for the top spot for another three years.
How to Stay Ready for the Next One
- Check your registration status: Even though the big one is over, local City Council races and state elections happen more frequently. Use the NYC Board of Elections portal to make sure you're still active.
- Watch the City Council: Many of the people who will run for mayor in 2029 are sitting in the City Council right now.
- Update your address: If you moved during the 2025 chaos, update your voter record now so you don't forget when the 2026 midterms roll around.
The 2025 election proved that New York politics is never boring. From Cuomo's attempted comeback to the rise of the city’s youngest mayor in over a century, the stakes have never been higher for the people living in the greatest city on earth.
Next Steps for New Yorkers
To prepare for future local elections, visit the NYC Campaign Finance Board website to see how your tax dollars are used to match small-dollar donations, which significantly impacted Mamdani's 2025 victory. You should also mark your calendar for the 2026 State Primaries, as the shift in the city's leadership often trickles up to state-level policy changes.