(MENAFN) New York City is on the verge of selecting its next mayor, with Democratic contender Zohran Mamdani emerging at the forefront among three candidates vying to lead America’s largest city.

The intensity of the contest is evident, as more than 735,000 ballots have already been submitted in early voting, setting a new record for the city, according to the Board of Elections in the City of New York.

This remarkable voter engagement occurs as the mayoral race continues to dominate national news in its concluding phase.

Mamdani’s prominence in the race is notable. Should he prevail on Tuesday night, he would make history as the city’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor, as well as its first leader to openly embrace democratic socialism.

Campaigning on a platform focused on affordability in one of the country’s priciest cities, Mamdani has addressed pressing financial concerns for residents while facing criticism from multiple quarters, including fellow Democrats, over his progressive policies and pro-Palestinian stance.

Key proposals from Mamdani include freezing rent for tenants in rent-stabilized apartments, offering free universal child care, implementing free citywide bus services, and opening municipally operated grocery stores to provide lower-cost food for the city’s 8.4 million residents.

He plans to fund these initiatives by increasing the corporate tax rate to 11.5% — matching neighboring New Jersey — and introducing a 2% income tax for individuals earning over $1 million annually.

Mamdani’s rivals include former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, a conservative community activist and radio talk show host.

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