From Pews to Polls: Faith's Role in NYC's Political Landscape
Exploring Historical Endorsements, Candidate Engagements, and Interfaith Coalitions in the 2025 Mayoral Contest
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New York City’s elections have long been shaped by the interplay of diverse faith communities, where local religious leaders wield significant influence over voter turnout, endorsements, and political discourse. In a city renowned for its demographic mosaic, faith groups represent a critical voting bloc, often mobilizing congregations around shared values and community issues. This dynamic is particularly evident in the 2025 mayoral race, where candidates like incumbent Eric Adams, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani have navigated religious engagements to court support. Historically, religion has played a pivotal role in NYC mayoral contests, from the Catholic-heavy voter base in past elections to contemporary interfaith efforts addressing social justice.
The historical role of faith leaders in NYC elections dates back decades, with religious institutions serving as hubs for political organizing and voter mobilization. In the 2000s, surveys indicated that NYC was markedly more Catholic (62%) and Jewish (22%) than the national average, influencing mayoral races where candidates sought endorsements from clergy to boost turnout in low-participation elections. For instance, voter turnout in the 2021 general election was a dismal 23%, underscoring the need for community leaders, including faith figures, to drive participation. Currently, faith leaders continue to shape discourse through endorsements and calls for unity, as seen in recent gatherings promoting civic values amid polarization. Compared to past cycles like 2021, where candidates like Andrew Yang pursued Hasidic endorsements, the 2025 race shows similar patterns but with heightened focus on interfaith coalitions due to ongoing social challenges.
NYC’s faith communities reflect profound demographic and political diversity across boroughs and traditions. Catholics comprise the largest group at around 57% of religiously affiliated residents citywide, with Hispanic Catholics dominant in the Bronx (30%). Manhattan hosts more unaffiliated residents (34%) and white Christians (17%), while Brooklyn and Queens rank among the nation’s most diverse counties, featuring significant Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist populations. Staten Island has a higher white Catholic presence, contrasting with Queens’ foreign-born residents from various faiths. This diversity translates to varying influence: Black churches in Harlem and Brooklyn often emphasize social justice, Jewish communities in Brooklyn focus on antisemitism and Israel-related issues, and Muslim groups in Queens advocate for immigrant rights. Political leanings differ too, with evangelical groups in the outer boroughs leaning conservative on social issues, while progressive interfaith networks push for equity.
Candidates strategically engage religious communities through mosque and church visits, festival appearances, and community events to build trust and mobilize voters. Such interactions often involve policy discussions tailored to faith-specific concerns, like housing or public safety. For example, mayoral hopefuls in 2025 have attended interfaith forums addressing sanctuary policies and religious hatred, echoing tactics from prior races.
“Pulpit politics”—where clergy endorse candidates from the pulpit—has amplified this influence, especially after IRS clarifications allowing such endorsements without tax risks. These moments shape voter perception by framing candidates as aligned with moral values, boosting mobilization in tight races. In NYC, endorsements from pulpits have historically swayed turnout in communities with high religious attendance, like Black churches during the COVID-19 era where leaders mitigated pandemic effects.
Interfaith coalitions, faith-based nonprofits, and grassroots organizing further build political clout. Groups like the Interfaith Center of New York host retreats for social justice, uniting diverse leaders on issues like racial equity. The Interfaith Racial & Economic Justice Compact, endorsed by NYC clergy, promotes policies on paid family leave and democracy. Nonprofits such as New York Disaster Interfaith Services partner with government on crises, enhancing faith groups’ leverage. Grassroots efforts, including voter guides from organizations like Interfaith America, encourage civic participation across faiths.
Among the key figures, Eric Adams has deeply engaged faith communities, creating the Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships in 2022 to bridge government and religious groups. He launched a five-borough multifaith tour in 2024, hosting conversations with clergy, and received endorsements from nearly 100 leaders in August 2025, including at City Hall events where he was compared to biblical figures. Adams also attended church services, like at the Church of Pentecost USA in the Bronx, renewing his commitment to city issues.
Andrew Cuomo has actively sought faith leader support, securing endorsements from over 100 clergy across NYC in June 2025, including 18 prominent members after a Jamaica, Queens meeting. He met with Black clergy in March 2025, gaining endorsements, and emphasized spiritual guidance in campaigns, building on past efforts like rallying faith leaders for paid family leave in 2016.
Curtis Sliwa, through his Guardian Angels organization, has engaged communities by defending Jewish neighborhoods from antisemitism, positioning himself as a protector in mayoral bids. In 2025, he highlighted his ties to NYC’s Jewish community, including public safety advocacy, though direct clergy endorsements are less documented compared to rivals.
Zohran Mamdani, the first Muslim Democratic nominee, has interacted with faith leaders, touring Staten Island businesses and meeting local clergy in June 2025. He spoke at a church led by Rev. Stephen Green, discussing reparations, and addressed interfaith forums on religious hatred. However, his engagements have drawn scrutiny amid Islamophobic backlash, though he garnered support from diverse coalitions.
In summary, faith leaders remain integral to NYC’s electoral fabric, bridging historical precedents with current strategies to influence outcomes.
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