In the aftermath of Zohran Mamdani’s unexpected triumph in the Democratic primary, this 34-year-old democratic socialist has been working diligently to expand his support base. At the same time, he’s been addressing concerns from voters who may be uneasy about his critiques of the Israeli government and his previous backing of left-wing initiatives like defunding the police. Meanwhile, his political adversaries are recalibrating their strategies in hopes of diminishing Mamdani’s lead.

To help you navigate the political landscape ahead of Tuesday’s (or Wednesday AEDT) election, here are seven key narratives that encapsulate the unfolding drama:

Andrew Cuomo’s entry into the mayoral race was marked by his status as the initial favorite, despite the shadow of sexual harassment allegations—which he has consistently refuted—leading to his resignation as governor in 2021.

Cuomo’s campaign leaned heavily on his established name recognition and the backing of key donors, rather than cultivating a robust grassroots movement. This approach ultimately contributed to his unexpected defeat in June’s Democratic primary, where Mamdani emerged as the victor.

Within Cuomo’s campaign circles, there’s a tacit acknowledgment among most insiders, albeit privately, of the strategic missteps that were made along the way.

“But all but a few involved with the Cuomo campaign acknowledge, at least privately, how much they did wrong.”

Democratic socialists were emboldened and started talking primary challenges

Mamdani pivoted from anti-police rhetoric

The mayoral candidate met with off-duty police officers and held meetings on the proposals in his public safety agenda, which would overhaul the way the city approaches its most vulnerable residents.

The Republican with many cats

New York City hasn’t had a Republican mayor since Michael Bloomberg left office in 2013.

Sliwa has campaigned by riding the subway and running on a tough-on-crime platform. He argued that his longtime ties to the city might help him reach voters who are otherwise opposed to Republican candidates.

To the end, he refused to withdraw from the race despite pressure from Cuomo and others who wanted to consolidate the anti-Mamdani opposition.

“When they come up to me, they don’t say, ‘Oh, the Republican,’” Sliwa told CNN.

“They don’t see me as a politician. They see me as one of them, which is rare.”

The diverse street at the centre of the race

Mamdani’s opponents criticised his support for decriminalising sex work, pointing to it as evidence that he is soft on crime.

Cuomo also hoped to use the issue to reach South Asian and Muslim voters.

Mamdani has clarified that he doesn’t support legalising sex work, but that he backs decriminalising the practice between consenting adults.

“I do not think that we should be prosecuting women who are struggling, who are currently being thrown in jail,” Mamdani said at a mayoral debate.

Many Jewish voters felt they had bad options

For many Jewish New Yorkers, the New York City mayoral election has become emotionally fraught.

Mamdani sought to reach out to Jewish New Yorkers, but the most recent pre-election polls still showed Cuomo drawing about 55 per cent of the Jewish vote.

A different kind of potential first lady

Instead, her influence was felt behind the scenes and on social media, where she promoted her artwork focused on Middle Eastern women and the plight of Palestinians in Gaza.