Mamdani aims to gain support from senior voters to counter Cuomo’s advantage among older New Yorkers.

In an effort to engage with an increasingly skeptical demographic, Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani participated in a watercolor painting class at a senior center in Brooklyn on Thursday. This outreach initiative aims to connect with older New Yorkers, a group that has expressed hesitance towards him as he seeks to solidify his stance as a frontrunner in the upcoming mayoral election.

The response from the seniors was mixed, with some expressing intrigue while others remained uncertain. Denise Lipscomb, a 67-year-old retired city employee, articulated concerns shared by some attendees. She acknowledged having recently learned about Mamdani’s run for mayor, asking, “Who is he? What did he do before?” This sentiment underscores a broader challenge Mamdani faces in gaining traction among older voters, a demographic that often favors established candidates with a longer history in public service.

Mamdani, currently a state assembly member, holds the possibility of becoming the youngest mayor in New York City’s modern history at age 34. Polls indicate he maintains a lead over his primary competitor, Andrew Cuomo, with a notable margin in support. Nevertheless, Mamdani’s appeal to older New Yorkers remains limited. Cuomo, who previously served as governor until his resignation in 2021 amid allegations of misconduct—which he denies—continues to hold an advantage among older voters who question Mamdani’s experience and political ideology.

As early voting commenced, data revealed that voters aged over 55 constituted a slim majority at polling sites, presenting a potential advantage for Cuomo. Mamdani’s outreach event at the senior center aimed to counteract this trend, with him spending around 30 minutes creating a watercolor painting while engaging in dialogue about his campaign.

During his remarks, Mamdani expressed frustration regarding perceptions that his platform exclusively caters to the younger demographic. He articulated a vision that emphasizes the need for increased taxes on the wealthy to fund expanded social services, suggesting this approach benefits all New Yorkers, regardless of age. His message resonated with some attendees, such as Cenie, who humorously offered him a rose, connecting his campaign’s media efforts to popular culture.

While Lipscomb remained undecided in her choice between Mamdani and Cuomo, she resonated with his critique of wealth disparity and the impact of economic policies on lower-income residents. As the election approaches, Mamdani’s ability to bridge the gap with older constituents will be crucial in his bid for mayor, further underscoring the significance of this demographic in a closely contested race.