Labor Day marks the traditional start of the sprint to Election Day. This fall’s marquee event: the contest to become New York City’s next mayor.

Zohran Mamdani is vying to finish the job after his shocking victory in June’s Democratic primary. Mayor Eric Adams and former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo are running as independents, trying to rescue their political careers from a torrent of scandals. And Republican Curtis Sliwa adds an unpredictable element to the mix.

The winner on Nov. 4 will lead America’s largest city, but the results will resonate across politics. A victory by Mamdani, the 33-year-old state assemblyman and democratic socialist, would signal a sharp break within the Democratic Party from leaders who have refused to endorse him even after his primary win.

Casting a shadow

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