New York City is one of the largest cities in the world, making its local government essential to the lives of millions of Americans. One of the most significant positions in this system of governance is the mayor, responsible for agency oversight, managing the economy, public policy propositions and legislative decision making. On Nov. 4, 2025, New Yorkers will be headed to the polls to elect the next person to fulfill this position.
This cycle’s candidates include former mayors Eric Adams and Andrew Cuomo, both of whom are running as independents. The Democratic candidate is Zohran Mandani, who won the primary election by 12%. Curtis Silwa, who is known for his radio show: The Curtis Silwa Show, will fill the republican spot on the ballot in November.
Each candidate has highlighted the concerns that most take precedence during their campaigns to help voters come November. Mamdani, for example, has set the goal of freezing the rent for all rent stabilized housing units, increasing tenant protections, and aims to build 200,000 new, affordable housing units over the next decade. Cuomo wants to preserve existing affordable housing units and emphasized his plan to revitalize the New York City Housing Authority.
Adams would like to continue what he began in his first term by converting vacant commercial property spaces into affordable housing units and improving the current standards of the NYCHA. Sliwa has explained his goal to protect middle class neighborhoods and repeal the Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act of 2019 to support small landlords.
Currently, there are specific issues that are particularly important for New York City residents. Gabbi Roseman is a freshman Psychology major at the University from Brooklyn. Roseman expressed her concerns for topics such as “…accessible healthcare, transitioning into renewable energy, and affordable housing.”
“I think these are some of the larger concerns for NYC and I haven’t been seeing politicians giving these issues the attention they require,” Roseman said.
For students interested in getting involved in this election cycle, Pace University has a variety of available resources. The Center for Community Action and Research (CCAR) provides students with the opportunity on campus to register to vote and provides secure on campus polling locations, helping to make the voting process accessible for students.
“…Voting is extremely important, especially in NYC. Citizens in NYC use their voices for protest and to get their opinions across. Voting is a right that we have and every vote counts,” Freshman English major Ally Seetaram said.
Voting is important for citizens to contribute to both their community and its future. Campus resources for registration and voting will be available in the coming months as New York prepares to cast their votes this November. Every resident can make their voice heard and elect the candidate that best reflects the core values of these communities. Whichever candidate is elected will shape the city and its residents for years to come, bringing the city in the direction of change.
