NEW YORK — Voters in New York City are casting their ballots to select the next mayor, a decision that reflects a significant generational and ideological divide. The election features Zohran Mamdani, who won the Democratic primary earlier this year, facing off against former Governor Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, and Curtis Sliwa, the Republican candidate aiming for an upset.

A victory for Mamdani would mark a historic moment, making him the city’s first Muslim mayor and its youngest leader in decades. His campaign has focused on economic populism, promising to raise taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers to fund initiatives like free public transportation and universal child care. He has also pledged to freeze rent for approximately one million rent-regulated apartments.

Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 amid multiple sexual harassment allegations, is seeking a political comeback. If he wins, it would be a remarkable return to power after four years of controversy. He is counting on support from moderates and Republicans, especially after receiving endorsements from influential figures like former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who contributed $1.5 million to a super PAC backing Cuomo.

Sliwa, known for founding the Guardian Angels crime patrol group, faces a challenging path in the predominantly Democratic city. His campaign emphasizes a tough-on-crime message, appealing to voters who may be wary of both Mamdani and Cuomo. Despite pressure from some within his party to withdraw and consolidate support for Cuomo, Sliwa has remained in the race.

The election has drawn national attention, particularly due to Mamdani's rising profile. He has become a target for criticism from Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, who has labeled him as a representative of a more radical Democratic Party. Trump has also endorsed Cuomo, warning that Mamdani’s leadership would lead to disaster for the city.

Mamdani's past comments regarding the police and his stance on Israel have raised concerns among some centrist voters and Jewish leaders, who fear his views could hinder the Democratic Party's broader appeal. While he has attempted to distance himself from some of his previous statements, hesitance from key Democratic figures to endorse him remains evident.

The general election is being conducted in a traditional format, where the candidate with the most votes wins. This contrasts with the Democratic primaries, which utilized ranked-choice voting. As the election unfolds, the dynamics between the candidates will be closely watched, with implications that could resonate beyond New York City.

As the polls close, the outcome will not only determine the next mayor but also reflect the shifting political landscape in one of America’s largest cities.