Best Tom Allon Podcasts (2025)

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Eric Adams' Legacy as Mayor, with Tom Allon 1:00:47

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2d ago1:00:47

1:00:47

Tom Allon — longtime journalist, publisher of City & State magazine, and former informal advisor to Eric Adams who helped him with "mayor school" – joined the show to consider Adams' tenure and legacy as Mayor of New York City. (Ep 557)By Max Politics

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Preventing Hate Crimes, with Vijah Ramjattan 1:04:34

6d ago1:04:34

1:04:34

Vijah Ramjattan, Executive Director of the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes in the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice, joined the show to discuss the office's efforts to prevent bias-based crimes, what makes the difference in increases and decreases in hate crimes, the importance of education and community-building, and more. (Ep 556)…

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Getting to Fast & Free Buses, with Betsy Plum 1:15:59

9d ago1:15:59

1:15:59

Betsy Plum, Executive Director of Riders Alliance, a nonprofit advocacy group, and a member of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's transition committee, joined the show to discuss Mamdani's campaign promise of "fast and free buses" in New York City, how to really speed up the city's notoriously slow buses, whether free buses is the right goal and how to g…

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New York City's Shifting Short-Term Rental Market, with Christian Klossner 1:11:26

12d ago1:11:26

1:11:26

Christian Klossner, Executive Director of New York City's Office of Special Enforcement, joined the show to discuss the shifting legal and regulatory landscape around Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms, and his office's education and enforcement work as New York City has sought to eradicate tens of thousands of illegal short-term rental l…

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Next City Council Speaker Julie Menin on Policy Priorities, Working with Mayor-Elect Mamdani, & More 1:12:44

15d ago1:12:44

1:12:44

Julie Menin, the presumptive next Speaker of the New York City Council, joined host Ben Max and Andrew Rein, president of Citizens Budget Commission, for a conversation at New York Law School on her path to the speakership, her priorities when she takes the position in January, how she plans to work with Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and more. The event to…

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Tiffany Cabán on Policy Priorities, Progressive Politics, & More 1:06:11

18d ago1:06:11

1:06:11

New York City Council Member Tiffany Cabán, a Queens Democrat, joined the show to discuss the growth of the NYC-DSA, her exploration of a run for Congress in NY-7, the Council speaker race won by Julie Menin, prospects for Zohran Mamdani's mayoralty, and more. (Ep 552)By Max Politics

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Keys to a Successful Mayoral Transition, with Veterans of Last Three Administrations 1:17:08

25d ago1:17:08

1:17:08

From a live event held on November 20 at New York Law School, host Ben Max talks with four experts who have experience across the last several mayoral administrations and transitions: Anthony Crowell (NYLS Dean; former Counselor to the Mayor), Jennifer Jones Austin (FPWA CEO; co-chair of the 2013 mayoral transition), Meera Joshi (President of Green…

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Crystal Hudson on Her Bid to Become City Council Speaker 52:06

1M ago52:06

52:06

City Council Member Crystal Hudson, a Brooklyn Democrat, joined the show to discuss her bid to become the next Speaker of the City Council. She is among five candidates vying for the legislative leadership position, which will be decided upon by the 51 Council members of the new class seated in January. Hudson discussed her accomplishments in the C…

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Analysis: Jessica Tisch to Remain NYPD Commissioner Under Mayor Mamdani, with Harry Siegel 49:57

1M ago49:57

49:57

Harry Siegel — an editor at The City, co-host of FAQ NYC, and Moynihan Fellow at City College — joined the show to discuss the agreement between Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch for her to remain in that position in the new administration. Siegel and host Ben Max discuss how this decision came to be, specific areas of …

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Rich Azzopardi on Andrew Cuomo's Mayoral Campaign & More 1:07:13

1M ago1:07:13

1:07:13

Rich Azzopardi, a longtime spokesperson for Andrew Cuomo in government and politics, joined the show to discuss Cuomo's 2025 mayoral campaign, how things shifted from the primary to the general election, and more. Azzopardi was a senior advisor and director of communications in the governor's office under Cuomo and then, after Cuomo resigned in 202…

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How Mamdani Won & What It Means for Democrats, with Maya Handa, Morris Katz, & Rebecca Katz 1:26:32

1M ago1:26:32

1:26:32

On this episode, we break down Zohran Mamdani's victory to become the next Mayor of New York City, what it means for Democrats in New York and beyond, and what comes next for Mamdani as he enters City Hall. First, an interview with Maya Handa, who was Mamdani's general election campaign manager. Then, Rebecca Katz and Morris Katz (no relation) of F…

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City Hall Free For All: The Mamdani Transition Begins & Patrick Gaspard on Political Power 51:32

2M ago51:32

51:32

In our final episode, we talk about the future of New York City under Mayor Elect Zohran Mamdani and who he will surround himself with to help him accomplish his vision. We’re also joined by Patrick Gaspard, senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, former key Obama aide and now key advisor to Mamdani, to talk about this historic moment.—F…

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City Hall Free For All: It’s Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani 35:16

2M ago35:16

35:16

The Election Night results are in: Zohran Mamdani will be New York City’s 111th Mayor. Our hosts react to Mamdani’s big win over Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa, with over 1 million votes out of more than 2 million cast, and discuss his rousing, defiant victory speech and what comes next.—FAQ NYC and Max Politics are teaming up for a limited series, …

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Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris on Mayor-Elect Mamdani & What Comes Next 52:20

2M ago52:20

52:20

State Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris, a Queens Democrat and close ally of Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani, joined the show to discuss Mamdani's victory and the path ahead for his agenda, especially in Albany, where much power lies. (Ep 545)By Max Politics

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Final Pre-Election Preview, with Michael Lange, Adam Carlson, Nada Al-Hanooti, & Chapin Fay 1:31:35

2M ago1:31:35

1:31:35

For a final pre-election preview of the 2025 race to be the next Mayor of New York City, a three-part episode: 1) Political analyst Michael Lange and pollster Adam Carlson on the final polls of the mayoral race, the early voting turnout, & expectations for the outcome; 2) Nada Al-Hanooti of Defend and Advance, a Super PAC working to turn out Muslim…

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Big Questions About Zohran Mamdani's Big Promises, with Nicole Gelinas & Josh Greenman 1:02:25

2M ago1:02:25

1:02:25

Longtime New York journalists and policy analysts Nicole Gelinas and Josh Greenman joined the show to discuss some of the big questions about mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani's big promises, namely his top policy pledges of freezing the rent on rent-stabilized apartments, free buses, and universal child care, as well as increased taxes to pay for…

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Ballot Question 6: Should NYC Move Its Elections to Presidential Years? 57:25

2M ago57:25

57:25

Grace Rauh, executive director of government reform group Citizens Union, joined the show to discuss ballot question 6 and whether New York City should move its elections to presidential years. The question is on the 2025 general election ballot, put to city voters to see their preference, but would still require a state constitutional change to ac…

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NYC DSA Co-Chairs on Zohran Mamdani, the 2025 Mayoral Race, & What Comes Next 54:57

2M ago54:57

54:57

Grace Mausser and Gustavo Gordillo, the co-chairs of the New York City branch of the Democratic Socialists of America, joined the show to discuss the DSA, the Zohran Mamdani campaign and mayoral election, and what comes next if Mamdani is elected mayor. (Ep 540)By Max Politics

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City Hall Free For All: An Affordability Election & A Housing Agenda for the Next Mayor 55:32

2M ago55:32

55:32

In episode six, we’re focusing on affordability, housing and the related ballot proposals. We’re joined by housing experts Jamie Rubin (Chief Investment Officer of Aligned Climate Capital & Chairman of the Board of NYCHA) and Alicia Glen (Founder and Managing Principle of M Squared & former Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development), who sh…

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Alex Armlovich on the Rent Guidelines Board, Mamdani's Rent Freeze Pledge, & Housing Policy 57:05

2M ago57:05

57:05

Alex Armlovich, a member of the New York City Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) and Senior Housing Policy Analyst at the Niskanen Center, joined the show to discuss the work of the RGB, Zohran Mamdani's rent-freeze pledge, how to help struggling rent-stabilized buildings and apartments, and much more. (Ep 539)…

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Kenny Burgos on Rent Stabilized Housing, Mamdani's Rent Freeze Pledge, & More 1:04:10

2M ago1:04:10

1:04:10

Kenny Burgos, CEO of the New York Apartment Association and former State Assembly member from the Bronx, joined the show to discuss the challenges in rent-stabilized housing, the perspective of landlords and building managers, the prospects of a Mayor Mamdani and the candidate's promise to freeze stabilized rents for four years, and much more about…

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Cea Weaver on Tenants' Electoral Power, Mamdani's Rent Freeze Pledge, & Housing Policy 1:04:41

2M ago1:04:41

1:04:41

Cea Weaver — Executive Director of Housing Justice for All and New York State Tenant Bloc, a longtime tenant activist, and a housing policy advisor to Zohran Mamdani — joined the show to discuss renters' political power, Mamdani's housing agenda including his pledge to freeze rents on rent-stabilized housing, and more on housing policy and politics…

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City Hall Free For All: The Mayoral Race Hits Its Homestretch & Bill Bratton on Policing New York 48:41

2M ago48:41

48:41

In episode five, we debrief the first mayoral debate and preview the second one as Andrew Cuomo struggles to gain ground against frontrunner Zohran Mamdani with wild card Curtis Sliwa also in the mix. Plus, two-time former NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton joins to explain why he wouldn't advise Jessica Tisch, or anyone else, to run the NYPD on Mamdan…

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Analyzing the First Mayoral Debate, with Matt Wing 42:26

2M ago42:26

42:26

Matt Wing, a political strategist and founder of Wingspan, joined the show to analyze the first of two televised debates in the general election for Mayor of New York City and what comes next. Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa debated on NBC NY on the night of Thursday, October 16, 2025, and this conversation between Wing and host Ben …

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City Hall Free For All: Tish James Indicted & Alexa Avilés on Immigration Politics 44:59

2M ago44:59

44:59

In our fourth episode, we discuss the federal indictment of New York Attorney General Tish James, how the mayoral candidates are reacting, and how the next mayor could influence President Trump’s approach to the city. Then, DSA-backed City Council Member Alexa Avilés of Brooklyn, chair of the Council immigration committee, joins us to talk about Tr…

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Assemblymember Robert Carroll on Education Issues & the Mayoral Race 57:03

3M ago57:03

57:03

New York State Assemblymember Robert Carroll, a Brooklyn Democrat, joined the show to discuss his push to ensure that education issues are discussed in the home stretch of the race to be the next Mayor of New York City, the importance of prioritizing literacy instruction, his short list of potential next city school chancellors, mayoral control of …

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City Hall Free For All: An $18B Transit Cut & Sam Schwartz on Breaking Through Gridlock 44:44

3M ago44:44

44:44

By Max Politics

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First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro on Adams Administration Accomplishments & Priorities 1:16:24

3M ago1:16:24

1:16:24

First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro spoke with host Ben Max at a live event at New York Law School on the morning of September 30 to discuss Mayor Eric Adams' decision to drop his reelection bid, Adams' legacy, priorities Mastro has spearheaded, and much more. The event was hosted by NYLS' Center for New York City and State Law. (Ep 531)…

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City Hall Free For All: Eric Adams Drops Out & Tish James on Her Legal Battles with Donald Trump 46:21

3M ago46:21

46:21

In our second episode, the hosts debrief about Mayor Eric Adams’ decision to drop his re-election bid. New York Attorney General Tish James also joins us to talk about the cases she and Donald Trump have brought against one another, and her support of Mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani.---FAQ NYC and Max Politics are teaming up for a limited series…

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City Hall Free For All: A Crowded Mayoral Race & Jumaane Williams on Democratic Defiance 45:46

3M ago45:46

45:46

In our debut episode, Public Advocate Jumanne Williams joins us to talk about his arrest outside of 26 Federal Plaza, what the mayor and other elected officials can and should be doing in response to President Trump's threats, and why Williams thinks it's time for New York Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs to step down. ---FAQ NYC and Max Politics …

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NYC Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos on the Start of the School Year & Key Education Issues 49:07

3M ago49:07

49:07

New York City Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos joined the show to discuss the start of the new school year, key education policy initiatives underway like an overhaul of reading instruction, the new statewide student cellphone ban, mayoral control of city schools, and more. (Ep 538)By Max Politics

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State of the Mayoral Race with Under 2 Months To Go, with Adam Carlson & JC Polanco 1:08:16

3M ago1:08:16

1:08:16

Post-Labor Day and with under 2 months until Election Day (Nov. 4) the general election for Mayor of New York City is now in full swing, and four new polls out this week (Sept. 8-12) help shed light on the state of the race among Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, Curtis Sliwa, and Eric Adams. Joining the show to discuss the polling, the state of the ra…

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Jessica Ramos on Her Mayoral Run, Senate Reelection Campaign, & More 1:11:21

4M ago1:11:21

1:11:21

State Senator Jessica Ramos, a Queens Democrat, returned to the showto discuss her performance and endorsement of Andrew Cuomo in themayoral primary, her 2026 bid for Senate reelection against a toughprimary challenge, key issues facing her constituents, and more. (Ep 526)By Max Politics

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Joe Borelli on How Trump is Doing & the New York City Mayoral Race 50:36

4M ago50:36

50:36

Joe Borelli, Managing Director at Chartwell Strategy Group and formerNew York City Council Minority Leader, joined the show to discuss howPresident Trump is doing so far in his second term and the unfoldingelection for New York City Mayor. The Staten Island Republican spentover a dozen years in elected office, in the State Assembly then CityCouncil…

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Antonio Delgado on His Run for Governor 1:09:00

4M ago1:09:00

1:09:00

New York Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, a Democrat and formermember of Congress, joined the show to discuss his decision tochallenge Governor Kathy Hochul in the June 2026 primary, how theirrelationship fell apart, key issues facing New York and his platformto address them, and more. (Ep 524)By Max Politics

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Senator John Liu on Supporting Mamdani, Asian Voters, & More 57:35

4M ago57:35

57:35

New York State Senator John Liu, a Queens Democrat, joined the show to discuss key challenges facing his constituents and New York, his support for Zohran Mamdani for mayor, Asian voters, and much more. (Ep 523)By Max Politics

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Jonathan Rosen on Brad Lander, Bill de Blasio, & New York Politics 1:18:40

5M ago1:18:40

1:18:40

Jonathan Rosen — CEO of Orchestra, co-founder of BerlinRosen, and a top political advisor to Brad Lander and Bill de Blasio — joined the show to discuss the changing communications and media landscape, Lander's unsuccessful bid for mayor, lessons from de Blasio's 2013 win and tenure, Zohran Mamdani's ascension, and more. (Ep 521)…

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Kevin Elkins on the Cuomo Campaign, Labor Politics, Endorsements, & More 1:11:25

5M ago1:11:25

1:11:25

Kevin Elkins, a senior advisor on former Governor Andrew Cuomo's Democratic primary campaign for mayor and the political director for the New York City carpenters union, joined the show to discuss the Cuomo campaign, the value of endorsements, labor politics, and much more. (Ep 520)By Max Politics

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Major Housing & Election Reform Proposals Head to the 2025 General Election Ballot 1:11:17

5M ago1:11:17

1:11:17

The 2025 New York City Charter Revision Commission just advanced five proposals to the general election ballot dealing with housing, land use, and elections. The chair of the commission, Richard Buery, and its executive director, Alec Shierenbeck, joined the show to discuss the proposals that aim to increase housing growth and voter participation, …

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Key Takeaways from the 2025 Democratic Primary for Mayor, with Trip Yang & Sam Raskin 1:20:59

5M ago1:20:59

1:20:59

Trip Yang, founder and CEO of Trip Yang Strategies, and Sam Raskin, Senior Vice President at Slingshot Strategies, joined the show to discuss key takeaways from the 2025 Democratic primary for New York City mayor, won by Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, and what those takeaways may mean for the future of New York politics, including the general elect…

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Latino Voters and the Mayor's Race, with Jessica González-Rojas & Eli Valentín 1:15:23

6M ago1:15:23

1:15:23

DescriptionAssemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, a Queens Democrat who represents the 34th Assembly District (Astoria, Corona, East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Woodside), and Eli Valentín, a political analyst and columnist, joined the show to discuss Latino voters and the New York City mayoral race. With host Ben Max, they discussed Zohra…

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Mike Gianaris on the Mayoral Primary, Mamdani's Record, & What Comes Next for New York Democrats 50:01

6M ago50:01

50:01

Michael Gianaris, the State Senate Deputy Leader and head of Senate Democrats' campaign efforts, joined the show to discuss his fellow Queens legislator — Zohran Mamdani — winning the Democratic primary for Mayor, Mamdani's record in the Legislature (including on issues where they partnered like public transit), and how Democrats should respond to …

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Mara Gay on the Mayoral Primary, the Democratic Establishment, & What Comes Next 51:17

6M ago51:17

51:17

Mara Gay — an opinion writer at The New York Times, a former member of The Times' Editorial Board, and a longtime New York journalist who has covered New York and national politics — joined the show to discuss Zohran Mamdani's victory in the Democratic primary for Mayor, the flaws in the Democratic establishment, the role of the Times, and what com…

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Susan Kang on the DSA, the Mamdani Campaign, & the Mayoral Race 1:10:20

6M ago1:10:20

1:10:20

Susan Kang — a political science professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, member of the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, and longtime New York political activist — joined the show to discuss the DSA, the Zohran Mamdani mayoral campaign, and the broader political landscape. (Ep 513)…

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Adrienne Adams on Her Campaign for Mayor 41:17

6M ago41:17

41:17

Adrienne Adams, the City Council speaker running for mayor in the June 2025 Democratic primary, joined the show to discuss her campaign, cross-endorsements, ranked-choice voting, and more. (Ep 512)By Max Politics

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What the NYC Democratic Primary Electorate Will Look Like, with Evan Roth Smith & Michael Lange 1:07:35

6M ago1:07:35

1:07:35

Pollster Evan Roth Smith and analyst Michael Lange joined the show to discuss what the Democratic primary electorate in the race for Mayor will look like, including key variables at play along age, gender, racial, ethnic, borough, and other lines, what initial early voting data tells us, and other key factors at play in the race as it approaches pr…

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Betting Big on Trailblazers - June 25th 9:55

6M ago9:55

9:55

City & State invites you to attend the first-ever Trailblazers in Casinos & Sports Betting event on June 25th in New York City. This special episode gives listeners a sneak-peek of what you can hear at the event from keynote speakers Senator Joseph Addabbo and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner. If you're involved in or interested in the future of New Yo…

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Bonus Episode: A Reporters Roundtable with Sahalie Donaldson and Katie Honan 53:17

6M ago53:17

53:17

Welcome to our final episode of the podcast series: Race to Gracie Mansion. Co-hosts Tom Allon and Bradley Tusk normally sit down with mayoral candidates, but today they're chatting with City & State reporter Sahalie Donaldson and The City reporter Katie Honan about their analysis of the race. Tune into this co-production with Bradley Tusk's Firewa…

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Howard Wolfson & Amit Singh Bagga on The New York Times and the 2025 Race for Mayor 1:04:20

6M ago1:04:20

1:04:20

Howard Wolfson and Amit Singh Bagga — two political strategists, former city government officials, and members of The New York Times' 'The Choice' opinion panel — joined the show to discuss their experience as part of the Times' mayoral race assessment, the state of the race with a week until primary day, their thoughts on individual candidates, an…

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Brad Lander on His Campaign for Mayor 57:55

6M ago57:55

57:55

Brad Lander, the city comptroller running for mayor in the June 2025 Democratic primary, joined the show to discuss his mayoral campaign, cross-endorsement with Zohran Mamdani, and more. (Ep 509)By Max Politics