Opponent of Cuomo and Mamdani in the N.Y.C. mayoral race - NYT Mini-Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Opponent of Cuomo and Mamdani in the N.Y.C. mayoral race," is a great example of a trivia question that requires some knowledge of recent U.S. political events, specifically in New York City. It might seem tricky at first because the individuals mentioned weren't all direct competitors in the same race, but a little context makes it all click into place.

Clue Analysis

The clue asks for the last name of a person who was an "opponent" of "Cuomo and Mamdani" in a New York City mayoral race. Let's break this down:

• "N.Y.C. mayoral race": This is the core of the clue, pointing us to a specific election.
• "Cuomo": This likely refers to Andrew Cuomo, the former governor of New York, a major figure in the state's Democratic establishment. He did not run for mayor in 2021.
• "Mamdani": This refers to Zohran Mamdani, a member of the New York State Assembly and a prominent democratic socialist. He also did not run for mayor in 2021.

So, what gives? The clue uses these names to represent different political factions. Cuomo represents the more moderate, established wing of the Democratic party, while Mamdani represents the progressive, left-wing movement. The answer is the person who navigated the political landscape defined by these forces to win the mayoral race.

Thinking Approaches

A solver's first step should be to identify the most recent and prominent N.Y.C. mayoral race, which was in 2021. The question then becomes: who won that election? Even if the names "Cuomo" and "Mamdani" are confusing, focusing on the central theme of "N.Y.C. mayoral race" is the most direct path.

If you know who the current mayor of New York City is, that's your answer. If not, this is where crossing letters become invaluable. Getting even one or two letters from other clues can help jog your memory or confirm the name of the 2021 victor.

Background Context

The 2021 New York City Democratic mayoral primary was a crowded and closely watched contest. The winner, Eric Adams, positioned himself as a more moderate, pragmatic candidate focused on public safety, distinguishing himself from more progressive candidates in the field. The clue cleverly uses Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani as symbolic figures representing the political spectrum that Adams had to contend with to secure his victory. He was an "opponent" to their respective political ideologies, even if not to them directly in that specific race.

Conclusion

This clue is a well-crafted piece of trivia that rewards solvers who follow current events. By understanding that "opponent" can refer to ideological opposition, not just direct electoral competition, the puzzle becomes clear. The answer is the last name of the current mayor of New York City, who won the pivotal 2021 election.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This clue refers to a prominent figure in recent New York City politics.
2. Hint 2: The answer is the last name of the winner of the 2021 N.Y.C. mayoral election.
3. Hint 3: This person is the current mayor of New York City.
4. Hint 4: His first name is Eric.