The most populated city in the United States might also have the most polarizing mayoral race of any other. New York City’s mayoral race features a disgraced former governor, a surging socialist, an incumbent with his own legal troubles, and other heavy hitters.

New York City’s mayor, Eric Adams, escaped a conviction for corruption charges with the help of the Trump administration, all while seeking reelection. He is running as an independent to avoid a crowded Democratic primary. Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned in 2021 after sexual harassment claims tanked his popularity, but is now the front-runner for the Democratic nomination.