Guest post by Steven Gillan, Director of Political Affairs, Project Civica
As the 2025 mayoral election barrels toward a deeply fractured finish, New Yorkers face a sobering reality: the city could very well elect a self-proclaimed socialist as its next mayor.
With Zohran Mamdani emerging as the ideological frontrunner on the far left, and with no sign that either Curtis Sliwa or Andrew Cuomo will step aside, the vote on the center-right and among moderates is likely to split. That opens the door for Mamdani’s brand of extreme activism to take the reins of city government.
If that happens, the damage to New York City could be swift and lasting, ushering in radical policies that accelerate the decline of public safety, burden working families, and undermine basic governance.
But there is a path forward. And it runs through the City Council.
While the mayor commands headlines, it’s the City Council that can act as a check, or a rubber stamp. And with the mayor’s office potentially falling into the hands of someone openly hostile to capitalism, the police, and even the concept of local zoning, we must now turn our full attention to electing common-sense candidates down-ballot.
That’s where the Common Sense Contract with NYC comes in.
So far, 15 candidates across the five boroughs have signed on to this 7-point pledge, committing themselves to specific, actionable solutions on crime, education, economic freedom, parental rights, and more.
These candidates aren’t just making vague promises; they’re putting their name on a platform that voters can hold them accountable to.
Contrary to speculation, Curtis Sliwa has no intention of dropping out of the mayoral race, and in this case, that’s actually good news for City Council candidates.
His high-profile presence on the ballot could help drive turnout among frustrated Republicans and independents, giving down-ballot candidates who signed the Contract a stronger voter base to work with.
Let’s be clear: this is a moment of opportunity.
If you’re an influencer, community leader, civic group, or concerned citizen—this is the time to rally behind the candidates who have signed the Common Sense Contract with NYC.
Talk about them, share their names and pledges, and help them get out the vote.
While the top of the ticket may be crowded, confusing, or even disheartening, the future of New York City will be shaped just as much by who sits in the Council chambers as who sits in City Hall.
By electing candidates committed to real solutions, not slogans, we can blunt the impact of a radical mayor and begin the long road to restoring common-sense leadership in our neighborhoods.
It’s time to take these city council race seriously—before it’s too late.