Brad Lander's Big Break in the NYC Mayor Race

Brad Lander, NYC's Comptroller, is making waves in the mayoral race. He's not the top pick in polls, but he's got a fresh boost from an unusual source. A group of New Yorkers, picked by The New York Times, ranked him as their favorite candidate. This isn't a typical endorsement, but it's got Lander feeling optimistic. He thinks it's a game-changer, turning the race into a three-way contest between him, Andrew Cuomo, and Zohran Mamdani. The race is heating up as early voting starts this weekend. Recent polls show Mamdani leading with 35% support, followed by Cuomo at 31%. Lander is trailing with 9%. But Lander's camp is hopeful that this endorsement will give him a much-needed boost. The panel liked Lander's government experience and his ability to work with others. They also noted that he doesn't have the same baggage as Cuomo or the democratic socialist image of Mamdani. The New York Times' editorial board usually has a big influence on NYC mayoral races. But last year, they decided to stop endorsing candidates in local elections. Instead, they put together a panel of 15 civically involved New Yorkers to weigh in on the race. These panelists included political experts, business leaders, and even a conservative voice. Lander was their top pick, getting seven out of 15 votes. Cuomo and Mamdani each got two votes, while a few others got one vote each. Lander is planning to highlight this support in his campaign ads. He's already spent more on campaigning than any other candidate. The Times' piece came out just before the second and final mayoral debate. At the first debate, candidates focused their attacks on Cuomo. He's been the front-runner since he announced his run in March. But Cuomo has some serious baggage. He resigned as governor in 2021 amid accusations of sexual harassment and mismanaging the COVID-19 pandemic. The Times' panel had mixed feelings about Cuomo. Some saw him as the toughest and most tested candidate, while others called him a bully with a disgraceful past. In 2021, Kathryn Garcia surged to second place after getting the Times' endorsement. But this year, the endorsement process is different. A Democratic strategist suggested that this unusual nod is a way for the Times to work around its nonendorsement policy. He also thinks Lander won't see a major boost from it. But Lander is hopeful. He's proud to be the panel's favorite and plans to make the most of this support in the final stretch of the race. The NYC mayoral race is tightening as early voting begins. Lander's unusual endorsement could shake things up. But will it be enough to propel him to the top? Only time will tell. For now, Lander is riding this wave of support, hoping it will give him the boost he needs to compete with Cuomo and Mamdani. The race is far from over, and anything can happen in the final stretch. The panel's support is a significant development, but it's just one piece of the puzzle. The real test will be how voters respond in the coming weeks.