The race for the next mayor of New York City is getting more intense as Cuban-born businessman, Fernando Mateo, enters the competition, positioning himself as the polar opposite of leftist candidate, Shahana Hanif. Mateo, a Republican, is campaigning on a platform that prioritizes public safety and economic recovery in the wake of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, allegations of outside influence have surfaced in the race, with reports suggesting that former President Trump may have had a hand in shaping the field of candidates. However, Governor Andrew Cuomo's campaign has vehemently denied these claims, calling them baseless and politically motivated.

On the other side of the political spectrum, GOP mayoral nominee, Curtis Sliwa, has taken a different approach, floating a new nickname for Cuomo and Brooklyn Borough President, Eric Adams. Sliwa has urged Trump to remain neutral in the race, in hopes of avoiding any undue interference.

As the mayoral race in NYC continues to capture national attention, the city's residents are left to navigate a crowded and contentious field of candidates, each vying for the opportunity to lead one of the country's largest and most diverse cities.