President Donald Trump has privately discussed intervening in New York City’s 4 November mayoral election, seeking a candidate capable of defeating Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, the race’s current frontrunner, according to people briefed on the conversations cited by the New York Times. In recent weeks Trump quizzed Republican congressman Mike Lawler, donors and longtime associates about the field, which includes former Governor Andrew Cuomo, incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa. He was briefed by pollster Mark Penn and former City Council president Andrew Stein on private data suggesting Cuomo could remain competitive if the anti-Mamdani vote consolidates. Trump also held a previously undisclosed call with Cuomo, and allies such as billionaire grocer John Catsimatidis have urged him to wait before taking any public step. Mamdani responded by accusing Cuomo and Trump of conspiring to “rig” the contest and warned he would be the president’s “worst nightmare” if elected. Cuomo dismissed the claim, while a Republican rival publicly urged Trump to stay out of the race. Democratic figures are split: House Judiciary ranking member Jerry Nadler endorsed Mamdani, whereas Governor Kathy Hochul said she shares only limited ‘areas of alignment’ with the candidate. Whether Trump ultimately endorses or seeks to pressure rivals to withdraw remains undecided, but his deliberations add fresh uncertainty to an already fractious campaign.