Trump Predicts Mamdani Victory Unless Rivals Exit NYC Race/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump said Democrat Zohran Mamdani could become New York City’s next mayor unless two of his rivals exit the race. The crowded field includes Andrew Cuomo, Eric Adams, and Republican Curtis Sliwa, all refusing to bow out. Trump’s remarks underscore Democratic divisions as Mamdani maintains a clear advantage after his primary win.
Trump Weighs In on NYC Mayoral Race Quick Looks
- Trump said Mamdani leads unless rivals drop out.
- Mamdani, 33, defeated Andrew Cuomo in June’s Democratic primary.
- Field includes Cuomo (independent), Adams (incumbent), Sliwa (Republican).
- Trump allies reportedly floated federal job offers to Adams.
- Adams vows to stay despite corruption indictment fallout.
- Cuomo urged Adams to step aside Thursday.
- Sliwa says he’s “in until November 4” and won’t quit.
- Trump hosted dinner with tech executives when making remarks.
- Mamdani, a democratic socialist, seen as frontrunner.
- Race highlights fractured Democratic base in liberal NYC.
Trump Predicts Mamdani Victory Unless Rivals Exit NYC Race
Deep Look
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Thursday that Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old democratic socialist, is likely to become the next mayor of New York City unless at least two of his rivals abandon the race. Trump declined to name which opponents he thought should step aside but made clear that a one-on-one contest would be the only way to beat Mamdani.
“I don’t think you can win unless you have one-on-one, and somehow he’s gotten a little bit of a lead,” Trump told reporters while hosting a White House dinner for technology executives.
Mamdani’s Lead and Rivals’ Resistance
Mamdani surged after defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo in June’s Democratic primary and has remained the favorite. Still in the race are incumbent mayor Eric Adams, running as an independent after his corruption indictment, Cuomo as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa, the Guardian Angels founder.
Despite Trump’s suggestion, none of the rivals appear willing to quit. Adams insisted Thursday that he is staying in, brushing off calls for his exit. “No pressure, no diamonds,” he said while touting an endorsement from Muslim community leaders.
Backroom Maneuvering
Behind the scenes, intermediaries tied to Trump have reportedly approached Adams about leaving the mayoral race in exchange for a federal appointment. Adams met with Trump envoy Steve Witkoff in Florida recently, though he characterized the trip as personal. Adams dismissed speculation, saying he has no plans to step aside.
Cuomo, however, explicitly urged Adams to drop out, framing Mamdani as an “existential threat.” He argued Adams should defer to “the strongest candidates” if Democrats want to block Mamdani’s rise.
Sliwa Digs In
Republican Curtis Sliwa has cast himself as the best option to challenge Mamdani but flatly rejected suggestions that Adams’ departure would automatically help Cuomo. “That ain’t happening,” Sliwa said, pointing to longstanding anger toward Cuomo. He emphasized that he is staying in until Election Day, November 4, dismissing any Trump administration pressure.
“I’ve had to answer this for the 9,852nd time—I’m not dropping out,” he told reporters. “That’s what democracy is about, a vote.”
A Divided Democratic Field
The Democratic split between Mamdani, Cuomo, and Adams leaves the race fractured in one of the most liberal cities in the country. Mamdani’s ties to the Democratic Socialists of America, combined with his grassroots appeal, have fueled his momentum despite fierce resistance from establishment Democrats.
For Trump, the dynamics offer both opportunity and frustration. He has praised Mamdani’s vulnerability in a head-to-head contest but admits that unless Democrats consolidate, Mamdani could secure the mayoralty with ease.
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