Vote 2025: Race for New York City mayor, New Jersey governor and more | Live updates

Zohran Mamdani 's swift rise in New York City's mayoral race has made him into a national symbol - both as a point of pride among many Muslim Americans and a political foil for the right.

His campaign has been met by a surge in anti-Muslim language directed at the Democratic nominee, who would become the city's first Muslim mayor if elected in November.

Republican Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee called him "little muhammad" and urged deportation. On social media, GOP Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina referenced 9/11 alongside a photo of Mamdani dressed in a kurta, a loose collarless shirt common in South Asia.

Far-right activist Laura Loomer claimed without evidence that "NYC is about to see 9/11 2.0."

On many levels, Mamdani's run is a significant moment for the country and New York City, which endured 9/11 and the rise in Islamophobia that followed.

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The issue of education has become front-and-center in the race for New York City mayor, as the candidates presented starkly different plans for the future of the city's Gifted and Talented program.

In the nation's largest public school system, 75% of the students are Black or Latino, but in New York's Gifted and Talented programs, 75% of the students are White or Asian.

If elected, Democratic frontrunner Zohran Mamdani has pledged to change that, eliminating those programs for the city's youngest students.

But former Governor Andrew Cuomo says if elected, he would expand them further.

N.J. Burkett has more on the ongoing New York City mayoral race.

On Thursday morning, Andrew Cuomo was endorsed by the New York City Deputy Sheriffs' Benevolent Association in the general election.

"Every day, New York City's Deputy Sheriffs are on the frontlines protecting our neighborhoods and safeguarding our quality of life," Governor Cuomo said. "The work they do is difficult, demanding, and essential to the safety of our city. I am deeply grateful for their service, and as mayor, I will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them to rebuild public safety and restore pride in our city. Their endorsement is an honor, and together we will get New York City back on track on day one."

Ingrid Simonovic, President of the New York City Deputy Sheriffs' Benevolent Association, said: "Andrew Cuomo is offering real solutions at a time when public safety is at stake. His commitment to hiring more law enforcement officers, like our deputies, shows that he values both the safety of our neighborhoods and the men and women who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe every day. Our members serve on the frontlines of maintaining public safety while performing essential services for thousands of New Yorkers every day. We need a Mayor who understands that we are more than just illegal pot shop investigators. Deputy Sheriffs serve orders of protection to protect domestic violence victims, issue orders for child support payments, and conduct seizures of illegal property, in addition to countless other critical services.

In a new campaign ad, Zohran Mamdani highlighted his affordability agenda Bachelor-style by asking New Yorkers "Will you accept this rose?"

The ad aired for the first time during "The Golden Bachelor."

"When we say this is a campaign that meets voters everywhere, we mean it - even if it's from their couch watching The Golden Bachelor," said Mamdani Spokesperson Dora Pekec.