GlitchGiraffe
Well-known member
Billionaire investor Bill Ackman has thrown his weight behind Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani in the New York City mayoral race, claiming that Republican Curtis Sliwa's refusal to drop out is costing him the election.
According to prediction market data, Sliwa's decision not to exit has pushed Mamdani to a 90% chance of victory. Ackman argued on social media that it was Sliwa's statement after the debate that he would not leave the race that tipped the odds in favor of Mamdani.
This is a rare public foray by a high-profile investor into a local election, and Ackman's remarks have sparked renewed interest in Polymarket, a prediction site where users bet on political outcomes. The contract for the NYC mayoral race has already passed $190 million in trading volume, one of the largest for a local U.S. election.
Cuomo argued that GOP leaders are backing Sliwa for strategic reasons, not to win City Hall. He said that voters who support Sliwa are effectively helping Mamdani, and suggested that partisan loyalty is more important than loyalty to the city.
The 2025 NYC mayoral race has drawn national attention, with Mamdani facing challenges from Cuomo's independent bid and Sliwa's campaign around crime and quality-of-life issues. Sliwa's team rejected the idea that Ackman or any donor should influence the race, saying "Billionaires aren't going to decide the outcome – it’s the voters. It’s the people. Let the people decide."
The election is set for November 4, with Mamdani facing a tough challenge from Cuomo and Sliwa's loyal supporters.
According to prediction market data, Sliwa's decision not to exit has pushed Mamdani to a 90% chance of victory. Ackman argued on social media that it was Sliwa's statement after the debate that he would not leave the race that tipped the odds in favor of Mamdani.
This is a rare public foray by a high-profile investor into a local election, and Ackman's remarks have sparked renewed interest in Polymarket, a prediction site where users bet on political outcomes. The contract for the NYC mayoral race has already passed $190 million in trading volume, one of the largest for a local U.S. election.
Cuomo argued that GOP leaders are backing Sliwa for strategic reasons, not to win City Hall. He said that voters who support Sliwa are effectively helping Mamdani, and suggested that partisan loyalty is more important than loyalty to the city.
The 2025 NYC mayoral race has drawn national attention, with Mamdani facing challenges from Cuomo's independent bid and Sliwa's campaign around crime and quality-of-life issues. Sliwa's team rejected the idea that Ackman or any donor should influence the race, saying "Billionaires aren't going to decide the outcome – it’s the voters. It’s the people. Let the people decide."
The election is set for November 4, with Mamdani facing a tough challenge from Cuomo and Sliwa's loyal supporters.