Elections in several states on Tuesday are attracting national attention. A record number of New Yorkers have already cast their vote for the city's next mayor, and other heated political battles are playing out nationwide.

Until just the last few months, nobody knew much about Zohran Mamdani. By next week, though, he most likely will be New York's next mayor. GOP strategist Vanessa Simon understands New York's political terrain. The socialist Mamdani is up against Andrew Cuomo, the state's former governor, who comes with plenty of baggage. A third candidate, Republican Curtis Sliwa, has limited support in liberal New York, which leaves Mamdani and his agenda as the one poised to win.

"The writing's on the wall. Mamdani will secure the victory," said Simon. "He's shiny, well-spoken, has

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