The 2025 New York City mayor’s race is unusually volatile and will have major consequences for the nation’s largest city.

As a Democratic incumbent seeking a second term, Mayor Eric Adams would not typically face a serious primary challenge and would be heavily favored in the general election.

But this year is different. A large field of candidates entered the June 24 Democratic primary, hoping to seize on Mr. Adams’s perceived vulnerability. Mr. Adams then decided to skip the primary and run as an independent in November.

Ultimately, on Primary Day, Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani surged into the lead as New Yorkers’ first-choice votes were counted, and former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who had been ahead in most polls, offered a stunning concession.

The primary results were not expected to be finalized until July 1. In the general election in November, the Democratic nominee — presumably Mr. Mamdani — will face Mr. Adams; Curtis Sliwa, the Republican candidate and the founder of the Guardian Angels, and Jim Walden, a former federal prosecutor running as an independent.

Mr. Cuomo has not ruled out running on an independent ballot line.

The race has focused on several major themes, including affordability, public safety, President Trump’s agenda and federal investigations of Mr. Cuomo and Mr. Adams.

Here is an overview of the candidates for mayor.

Running

Curtis
Sliwa Rep.

Guardian Angels founder

Mr. Sliwa, who lost the general election to Mr. Adams in 2021, is running for the Republican nomination again.

He is a host on the conservative WABC radio station and has led the Guardian Angels, a citizen patrol group, for decades. He has criticized the mayor’s handling of the migrant crisis and opposed the opening of new shelters.

Jim
Walden Ind.

Former federal prosecutor

Mr. Walden, a prominent lawyer who has handled high-profile cases, is running as an independent.

He is a former prosecutor and political independent who has not run for office before and wants to curtail corruption. He has criticized congestion pricing tolls in Manhattan and city vaccine mandates during the pandemic.

Considering Running

Andrew Cuomo Ind.

Former governor

Mr. Cuomo was elected to three terms as governor and resigned in 2021 after roughly a dozen women accused him of sexual harassment. He highlighted his record as governor during his unsuccessful campaign for the Democratic mayoral nomination, which included major infrastructure projects, raising the minimum wage and legalizing same-sex marriage. He has faced criticism for his handling of nursing home deaths early in the pandemic. He may run in the general election on a third-party line.

Out After Democratic Primary

Selma Bartholomew Dem.

Educator

Dr. Bartholomew is a public school teacher and education consultant. In 2008, she founded the company Partner With Legacy, which helps provide training and educational support to teachers, schools and districts.

Michael
Blake Dem.

Former state assemblyman

Mr. Blake was a White House aide under President Barack Obama and served in the State Assembly representing the Bronx.

Brad
Lander Dem.

City comptroller

Mr. Lander, the city comptroller, is a progressive leader and a fierce critic of Mr. Adams and Mr. Cuomo. He cross-endorsed Mr. Mamdani in the primary and was on track to finish in third place.

Paperboy Love Prince Dem.

Activist

Paperboy Prince is a content creator, community activist and music artist whose 2021 run for mayor garnered attention on social media for whimsical and at times provocative scenes. They have called for free health care, abolishing the police and granting a universal basic income for all New Yorkers.

Jessica Ramos Dem.

State senator

Ms. Ramos, a state senator from Queens who failed to gain traction in the race, endorsed Mr. Cuomo, of whom she was formerly a sharp critic. She built her reputation as a progressive who supported raising the minimum wage, building more housing and lifting up the working class.

Scott
Stringer Dem.

Former city comptroller

Mr. Stringer, the former city comptroller, ran on a message that he was competent and experienced. He has a history of support from unions and elected officials from Manhattan’s Upper West Side. His 2021 mayoral campaign was derailed by allegations of sexual misconduct, which he has denied.

Whitney
Tilson Dem.

Former hedge-fund executive

Mr. Tilson is a longtime Democratic donor and former hedge-fund executive who focused his campaign on public safety and antisemitism. He was sharply critical of Mr. Mamdani and was backed by Bill Ackman, a billionaire who supports Mr. Trump.