Zohran Mamdani Mobilizes Support on Staten Island Ahead of Voting

With early voting set to begin in just six days, supporters of Zohran Mamdani gathered at Borough Hall in St. George, Staten Island, on October 1, 2023, to launch a vigorous canvassing effort. Volunteers engaged with local residents to bolster support for the mayoral candidate, emphasizing the pivotal role the community will play in shaping the borough’s future.

Yesenia Mata, a representative from the New York Immigration Coalition Action, addressed the crowd, expressing optimism about Staten Island’s transformation. “We know that in the next five to ten years, the Island is going to be completely different,” she stated. “It will no longer be the forgotten borough, but it’s because of all of us, because we did this together.”

Mobilizing the Community

The day of action focused on connecting with as many Staten Island residents as possible. Former U.S. Representative Jamaal Bowman highlighted the urgency of the moment, saying, “It’s up to all of us to make sure we have record numbers with early voting.” He urged attendees to register as many voters as possible before the upcoming election, emphasizing the importance of a strong showing for Mamdani on Staten Island.

Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes, a Democrat representing parts of Brooklyn, also participated. She stressed the need for the campaign to listen to community concerns, noting, “There’s also a lot of fear.” Mitaynes shared her experiences canvassing and mentioned the ongoing struggles faced by local business owners in the wake of the pandemic.

Shahana Masum, a resident of Mariners Harbor, articulated her concerns about affordability, which prompted her involvement in the campaign. “My children are educated people. My daughter just finished her masters. My son finished his double masters and my other son is doing international law. And they cannot afford this city,” Masum explained, shedding light on the challenges that many families face.

Ruben Sibri, a volunteer from West Brighton, echoed Masum’s sentiments regarding affordability. “I think it’s going to be surprising to people how strong the coalition here is on Staten Island,” he remarked. “Affordability speaks to everyone.” His experience canvassing alone revealed a positive reception from the community.

Political Landscape on Staten Island

As the election approaches, the competition among candidates intensifies. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo is running as an independent and has made several appearances on Staten Island since mid-September. Cuomo is the last remaining independent candidate following the suspension of Mayor Eric Adams’ campaign.

Republican Curtis Sliwa has also maintained a strong presence in Staten Island, participating in various events, including a recent press conference focused on speed cameras. Both candidates have shared their visions for New York City, aiming to capture the attention of voters as the election date nears.

According to a recent Quinnipiac University poll, Mamdani currently leads the race with 46% support, particularly following Mayor Adams’ withdrawal. Cuomo, however, has gained traction, reaching 33% support citywide and surpassing Mamdani’s numbers on Staten Island. This shift illustrates a significant change in voter sentiment, with Cuomo capitalizing on the support previously held by Adams.

In a previous poll conducted on September 10, Mamdani held an advantage with 45% compared to Cuomo’s 23%. The latest figures suggest that Cuomo’s campaign is resonating with voters, particularly in Staten Island, highlighting the dynamic nature of the race as Election Day approaches.

With early voting imminent, Mamdani and his supporters are focused on mobilizing residents to ensure a strong turnout, reflecting the community’s commitment to shaping the future of Staten Island.