Cuomo Returns to NYC Mayoral Race, Faces Socialist Challenger
Leading Candidates Clash in Heated Debate Ahead of Primary
Andrew Cuomo, the former New York governor, is mounting a comeback in the 2025 mayoral election, facing a strong challenge from democratic-socialist assemblyman Zohran Mamdani. The candidates recently faced off in a televised debate, highlighting deep divisions within the Democratic party.
A Legacy of Local Media
For New Yorkers seeking informed political commentary, the broadcasts of Brian Lehrer and Errol Louis are essential listening. Lehrer’s “The Brian Lehrer Show” on WNYC and Louis’s “Inside City Hall” on NY1 provide daily analysis and public forums for city residents.
“I’ve said on air, Errol Louis is the single best reason to still have cable.”
—Brian Lehrer, Host
The pair’s connection dates back decades, beginning when Louis appeared on Lehrer’s show to discuss his work with the Central Brooklyn Federal Credit Union, an institution focused on supporting low-income communities. (The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund reported $268.8 billion in assets held by CDFIs in 2022 CDFI Fund, 2023).
Contrasting Styles, Shared Influence
Lehrer and Louis complement each other on air. Louis is known for his directness, while Lehrer maintains a calm and measured approach. This dynamic began in the early 2000s when Louis frequently filled in for Lehrer during his summer vacations.
Lehrer, broadcasting since the Reagan era, typically takes only two weeks of vacation annually, a practice he notes is unusual for the United States. The upcoming debate, moderated by Lehrer, Louis, and Katie Honan, will be crucial for voters utilizing New York City’s ranked-choice voting system.
Mayor Adams’ Media Strategy Backfires
The current mayor, Eric Adams, has faced criticism for attempting to bypass traditional media outlets in favor of podcasts and other platforms. This strategy, according to Louis, proved detrimental to Adams’ approval ratings, dropping from sixty percent to twenty percent.
“Trying to bypass the people whose job it is to know and understand fully and deeply the different policies that you’re trying to enact? We can help you explain it. That’s literally what we want to do.”
—Errol Louis, Host
The shift reflects a broader trend of politicians favoring select media outlets, a practice Lehrer suggests has been increasing over time.
The Evolving Role of the City Columnist
The traditional “city columnist”—a prominent voice offering commentary on local affairs—has largely disappeared. Louis attributes this shift to changes in the newspaper business model, noting that columnists like Jimmy Breslin and Pete Hamill once drew readers specifically for their writing.
The debate will air on NY1, C-SPAN, and WNYC, with Spanish-language coverage on NY1 Noticias. Streams will also be available on YouTube: Spanish and English.
