Context:

Former President Bill Clinton endorsed Andrew Cuomo in the New York City mayoral race, providing a significant boost to Cuomo's campaign as he competes against state lawmaker Zohran Mamdani. Clinton's support, delivered through a robocall, aims to mobilize older Democratic voters in a tight primary race. Meanwhile, Letitia James, the state attorney general, has been critical of Cuomo, highlighting past sexual harassment allegations against him. Mamdani, backed by progressive figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, faces a generational and ideological divide with Cuomo within the Democratic Party. Despite robust endorsements, the race remains contentious, with both candidates addressing various issues, including national and local policies, to sway undecided voters ahead of the primary election.

Dive Deeper:

• Bill Clinton's endorsement of Andrew Cuomo in the mayoral race is intended to galvanize older Democrats and reflects a preference among some establishment figures for Cuomo over his progressive rival Zohran Mamdani. Clinton's robocall praises Cuomo's ability to get things done and his capacity to protect New York City from President Trump.

• Zohran Mamdani's campaign has gained momentum with endorsements from progressive leaders and cultural figures, painting a stark contrast with Cuomo's establishment support. Mamdani, who has risen in the polls, represents a new wave of progressive politics, challenging the traditional Democratic establishment.

• Letitia James, the state attorney general, has been a vocal critic of Cuomo, particularly regarding sexual harassment allegations that led to his resignation as governor. Her support for Mamdani and other progressive candidates highlights the internal Democratic Party tensions between progressive and establishment factions.

• The primary race has seen a significant increase in voter turnout compared to previous years, reflecting heightened political engagement and the impact of endorsements on voter mobilization. Early voting numbers indicate a strong interest in the outcome of the race.

• Cuomo's campaign strategy involves criticizing Mamdani's progressive policies, which he describes as unrealistic and aligned with a far-left socialist agenda. This narrative aims to appeal to moderate and conservative Democrats who may be wary of drastic policy changes.

• Mamdani has responded to national events, such as the U.S. military action in Iran, by emphasizing a narrative of peace and criticizing the political establishment's priorities. His stance is positioned against Cuomo's more traditional views on foreign policy and governance.

• The race highlights broader ideological and generational divides within the Democratic Party, with Cuomo representing an older, establishment wing and Mamdani embodying a younger, progressive movement. This dynamic is reflective of national trends in Democratic politics.