Tight Races Heat Up as Election Day Approaches in New York and New Jersey

NEW YORK (WABC) — Election Day is just two weeks away, and candidates in New York and New Jersey are ramping up their campaigns as November 4 approaches. In New York City, the mayoral race features frontrunner Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa.

Mamdani, who has been leading in the polls, continues to make headlines, including recent proposals aimed at cutting waste in the public education system. “We expect that these measures alone will result in at least a 10% reduction in redundant spending,” Mamdani said during a campaign stop.

Cuomo, who is trying to reclaim his political footing, spoke at an event for the Association for a Better New York, calling for oversight of a $40 billion capital budget for transit improvements. “I’ll improve subway service and safety based on my previous experience,” Cuomo stated.

Sliwa has also vowed to remain in the race, despite speculation that he might drop out. “I am not dropping out, under no circumstance. I suggest to Cuomo that he gets out and campaigns hard for his supporters,” Sliwa declared.

On the debate front, the final face-off among mayoral candidates is scheduled for October 22, just days before early voting begins on October 25. All three candidates are expected to use this opportunity to make their cases to voters.

Meanwhile, in New Jersey, the gubernatorial race is heating up as well. Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli find themselves neck-and-neck in polling. Sherrill recently announced that former President Barack Obama will campaign with her in Newark on November 1, further energizing her base ahead of the election.

Ciattarelli, who has received endorsement support from former President Donald Trump, continues to focus on affordability issues, a concern shared by many voters. In a recent debate, he criticized Sherrill’s military record and linked her to the challenges faced by New Jersey over the opioid crisis.

As the campaigns enter the final stretch, both Sherrill and Ciattarelli are preparing for what could be one of the most closely contested gubernatorial elections in New Jersey’s history.