The upcoming mayoral election taking place on November 4, 2025 has sparked debates and emotions among the New York City public.
The debate has left John Jay students with mixed emotions, feeling concerned or optimistic.
After current Mayor Eric Adams dropped out of the race, Republican candidate, Democratic candidate Zohran Mandani, and Independent candidate Andrew Cuomo remain in the race. Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels, a nonprofit organization dedicated to crime prevention, has been adamant about remaining in the race, despite his low ratings.
However, many students have their focus set on the other two candidates. Both Mamdani and Cuomo have experience within the New York State government.
Mamdani has worked as an assembly member from the 36th district and Cuomo has served as the 56th governor of New York.
After Mamdani’s win of the primary election in June, many students shared a common optimistic perspective.
“This is the first election I’ve actually felt positive towards in my whole life,” said freshman Jack Samet. He argued that it could have a constructive impact on their society, stating its ability “to change New Yorkers’ lives directly in a strong positive direction.”
With various sources and methods to engage in local politics, many of the students said that they participate in conversations among their peers and utilize social media to help formulate their own opinions. Some students feel that they are fairly knowledgeable and up to date with the political climate.
Arlina De La Cruz, a sophomore psychology major, claims she has listened to opinions form others to gain knowledge on the election.
Criminal justice major María Castaño, also stated that she primarily uses social media such as TikTok to remain in touch with local and global news.
“We’re usually pretty informed because of my classes and government is always included our discussions,” she said.
Mamdani was the overall favored candidate by the students, with many admitting that they share similar values.
Forensic psychology student Kaity DeBenedetto said she voted for Mamdani for the primary election because she aligns with the values that are expressed in Mamdani’s ideas for NYC.
Castaño shared those sentiments, adding that “it is also important to have minority representation in a city that is notably diverse.”
While some students said that they feel being a John Jay student has not affected their political views, others argue that it has helped give clarity or insight into their own biases or preconceived notions within our political system.
While this enlightening can be beneficial for individuals at John Jay, it may raise concern for the lack of opposing viewpoints to grow and develop from.
Students, like Samet, claim that the school is deemed to be liberal, so it is most likely able to shift perspectives towards left-leaning ideologies.
“[It] obviously would shift my focus towards Mamdani even if I didn’t have my opinions on him,” Jack Samet said via SMS.
No voters for the other parties could be found or available for comments.
De La Cruz claimed that students with immigration status argue that they feel this election has caused immense tension and even some fear regarding this election and the ability to speak and debate freely.
“As an immigrant, I feel like we all have been needing a change,” said Arlina De La Cruz
There is a generally positive reaction toward this race, feeling as though the courses and faculty have helped to improve awareness levels and critical thinking skills, said María Castaño.
BA/MA student Kathy DeBendetto claims that voter participation is important at any level.
“I think it’s super important to be aware of the political climate,” she said. “[and] very important to vote even at the local level.”
