Elon Musk has stepped into New York City’s heated 2025 mayoral race with a last-minute endorsement of former Governor Andrew Cuomo, just a day before voters head to the polls on November 4.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Tesla and SpaceX CEO urged New Yorkers not to vote for Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa, saying that doing so would only benefit Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani.
“Remember to vote tomorrow in New York! Bear in mind that a vote for Curtis is really a vote for Mumdumi or whatever his name is. VOTE CUOMO!” Musk tweeted.
Elon Musk’s Political Endorsement Sparks Debate
Musk’s endorsement of Andrew Cuomo comes amid growing calls from Republican leaders urging Curtis Sliwa to withdraw from the race so that opposition votes could consolidate against Mamdani. According to recent polls, Cuomo appears to be the only candidate with a realistic chance of defeating the Democratic Socialist nominee.
Mamdani secured the Democratic nomination earlier this year after defeating Cuomo in the primary. However, Cuomo opted to run as an independent candidate in the general election and has since attracted endorsements from several prominent Democrats, including incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who dropped out of the race last month.
Curtis Sliwa Defies Pressure to Step Down
Despite the mounting pressure, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa has refused to bow out. He has repeatedly criticized both Cuomo and Mamdani during his campaign, calling Cuomo “corrupt” and Mamdani “young and inexperienced.”
Sliwa continues to portray himself as “the only true alternative” for New Yorkers seeking a new direction, even as polling data shows him trailing both front-runners.
Mamdani Leads in Polls Ahead of Election Day
Recent surveys show Zohran Mamdani leading in the final stretch, with Cuomo in second place and Sliwa a distant third. Mamdani’s campaign has focused on affordability, housing, and cost-of-living issues — a message that has strongly resonated with working-class voters.
However, his socialist-leaning proposals, including free public transportation, state-run grocery stores, and expanded rent control, have sparked criticism from business leaders and conservative groups.
Musk’s endorsement of Cuomo may not drastically change the outcome, but it has added a high-profile twist to one of the most closely watched city elections in recent memory.
Election Day in New York City
Polls will open at 6 a.m. across New York City on Tuesday, November 4, and close at 9 p.m. Officials are expecting high voter turnout as residents head to the polls to decide the city’s next mayor.
