VOTERS in New York took to the polls today to choose their next mayor in a closely watched race between Democrat Zohran Mamdani, independent Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.

Mr Mamdani, who has described himself as a socialist, was leading opinion polls when the Morning Star published this story.

Millions of Americans also cast their votes in state and local elections across the country, with Virginia and New Jersey selecting new governors and Californians deciding whether to redraw congressional districts to favour Democrats ahead of next year’s elections. 

Polls in New York were due to close at 9pm local time (2am GMT).

The New York mayoral race has drawn national attention, focusing on the city’s soaring cost of living and the outspoken stance of Mr Mamdani, a prominent supporter of Palestinian rights. 

He has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of “committing a genocide” and vowed to have him arrested should he visit New York under the International Criminal Court warrant.

US President Donald Trump today attacked Mr Mamdani online, saying that any Jewish person who votes for the 34-year-old is a “stupid person.”

Mr Mamdani has received endorsements and support from several Jewish organisations and politicians.

Mr Trump had openly called on his supporters to vote for Mr Cuomo instead of his own party’s candidate.

Earlier, he threatened to cut federal funding for New York City if Mr Mamdani wins.

Speaking to reporters after casting his ballot, Mr Mamdani said: “We are on the brink of making history in our city, on the brink of saying goodbye to [the] politics of the past.”

Asked how he planned to respond to Mr Trump’s threat, Mr Mamdani said: “I look forward to fighting for… every single dollar the city is owed.”