Primary Color: Scenes From An Unprecedented NYC Mayoral Campaign Season

By Ben Fractenberg & Hiram Alejandro Durán, THE CITY

June 21, 2021

While much of the city was still emerging from a forced coronavirus slumber, more mayoral candidates than ever were running — with a whole new twist on the race.

As winter melted into spring and coronavirus rates dropped, candidates left Zoom rooms and raced into face-to-face politics across the five boroughs.

Here are some views from the campaign trail, from a candidate helping during an emergency health scare to supporters clearly feeling the energy of the moment as Tuesday’s primary nears.

Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams took time after a Cadman Plaza rally to pose for a maskless selfie.

Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY

A young Dianne Morales supporter practiced her political rallying skills.

Hiram Alejandro Durán/THE CITY

Andrew Yang helped fan a man who fainted at a Bronx event on a scorching late spring day.

Hiram Alejandro Durán/THE CITY

Kathryn Garcia made the rounds at Astoria Park’s first outdoor movie since the pandemic.

Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY

A Ray McGuire supporter shielded herself in Times Square.

Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY

Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa kicked off his campaign attacking two men who loom large in New York politics.

Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY

Anti-Eric Adams protesters tried to disrupt a campaign event in Brooklyn.

Hiram Alejandro Durán/THE CITY

Fernando Mateo showed his position on policing issues, tying Blue Lives Matter banners around the World Trade Center.

Hiram Alejandro Durán/THE CITY

Scott Stringer took his family to vote at the Borough of Manhattan Community College.

Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY

A Maya Wiley supporter holds on at the end of an arduous campaign.

This story was originally published on Jun 20, 2021 by THE CITY. Sign up here to get the latest stories from THE CITY delivered to you each morning.

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