Story perspectives

Bloomberg Data Firm Backs Open Primary, Mayor Defends Closed

7/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Emma Bloomberg’s data firm backs a campaign to replace New York City’s closed primary with an open format.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the city’s democratic-socialist leader, opposes the open-primary proposal and cites his own primary win as proof the closed system works.
Independents, wealthy donors, and civic groups promote open primaries, saying the current system blocks outsider candidates.
Critics argue the closed primary gives incumbents like Mamdani a decisive advantage.

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Story summary

Emma Bloomberg’s data firm backs a campaign to replace New York City’s closed primary with an open format.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the city’s democratic-socialist leader, opposes the open-primary proposal and cites his own primary win as proof the closed system works.
Independents, wealthy donors, and civic groups promote open primaries, saying the current system blocks outsider candidates.
Critics argue the closed primary gives incumbents like Mamdani a decisive advantage.