In the bustling heart of the United States, the New York City mayoral race unfolds, pitting traditional political figures against the fresh energy of a grassroots movement, drawing global interest.

On Tuesday (Wednesday AEST), New Yorkers will cast their votes to choose between a diverse slate of candidates: young Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, former Democratic governor-turned-independent Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa, known for his iconic red beret.

Mamdani currently leads the race, with Cuomo trailing behind, while Sliwa is generally not seen as a major contender.

While numerous cities across the nation are holding their own mayoral elections this week, New York City’s contest stands out for its international fascination.

Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old progressive state assembly member and a Muslim immigrant, has surged in popularity, thanks in part to his dynamic social media presence. His campaign skillfully harnesses the power of collaboration with influencers and artists, alongside traditional grassroots outreach to engage voters directly.

He has been campaigning about affordability issues, promising rent freezes, universal childcare and free buses, which will be funded by increasing taxes on the rich and promising to work for the people rather than big corporations and billionaires. 

His message has been backed by popular Democratic progressives Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

As the polls suggest, Mamdani is poised to make history as New York’s youngest mayor in more than a century and the first Muslim and South Asian mayor.

His campaign has resonated with young voters and residents battling the cost of living.

“We’re talking to young people like we would talk to anyone, we’re not patronising them, we’re not condescending,” Mamdani told The Daily Show.

It has also reached millions across the world, with social media comments from people in Australia, the United Kingdom, Europe, India and Japan sharing their support for him.

“That’s my mayor! (I live in Australia),” one user writes. 

“Watching from New Zealand with baited breath,” another says. 

“I’m so impressed and inspired by this campaign! Big hug from the Netherlands,” a third says.

“I’m rooting for you from Paris,” a fourth adds.

Mamdani won and knocked out Cuomo as the Democratic nominee in the primaries in June, forcing his opponent to run for mayor as an independent.

His campaign is feared (and hoped for by his supporters) to upend traditional politics.

But his past support for the defund the police movement, comments about Israel and Zionism and ambitious policies have made him a polarising figure.

President Donald Trump has threatened to pull federal funding if New York elects what he called a “100 per cent communist lunatic”.

CNBC reported that the city’s billionaires, like Bill Ackman and Ronald Lauder, have raised more than $40 million to slow down Mamdani’s campaign and support Cuomo.

Mamdani’s youth and lack of experience in an executive role have also caused concern among some voters, in comparison to Cuomo’s decade as governor before he was forced to step down amid sexual misconduct allegations in 2021.

As Sliwa said in a mocking statement during the last debate: “Zohran, your resume could fit on a cocktail napkin, and Andrew, your failures could fill a public school library in New York City.”