Jalen Brunson, 'Jackson Dart', and Lou Gehrig Receive Write-In Votes in NYC Mayor Election

The New York City mayoral contest concluded last month with Zohran Mamdani defeating Andrew Cuomo to succeed Eric Adams at City Hall. However, the write-in votes revealed a surprising assortment of names that went beyond the official candidates.

On Tuesday, the city released the complete list of write-in votes, showing that numerous New Yorkers cast ballots for a wide range of athletes and other public figures. Some names were misspelled, while others were long deceased. Remarkably, one choice had not been associated with a New York team since 1957.

The compilation of write-in selections paints a picture of the city'sand possibly the nation'scurrent cultural landscape. Beyond Mamdani and Cuomo, voters included Bad Bunny, Harriet Tubman, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Bart Simpson, Bette Midler, Jesus Christ, and several politicians who were not running for office.

Among sports personalities, choices varied from current stars to historic figures. New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson and former Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau were on the list, as were baseball legends Hank Aaron (who passed away in 2021) and Lou Gehrig (who died in 1941). Brooklyn native Sandy Koufax, who left New York in the 1950s, also received a vote at age 89 while still attending World Series games.

Other athletes receiving votes included Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart, who earned two to three mentions depending on spelling, his teammate running back Cam Skattebo, and Yankees playoff contributor Cam Schlittler. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, along with NFL stars who spent their careers facing New York teamsNew England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, and Tom Bradywere also write-in recipients.

Media figures received attention as well. ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith was written in twice, while Mark Davis and Martin Smith also appeared, though it is unclear whether voters referred to the Las Vegas Raiders owner or the ESPN reporter.

In total write-in tallies among athletes, New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson led with 27 votes, followed by Yankees slugger Aaron Judge with 11. Including alternate spellings like "Jaylen Brunson" and "Jalen Bronson," Brunson tied with Hillary Clinton for the 12th-highest total among all write-in candidates.

Other sports figures appearing on the list included former Knicks coach Tom/Thomas Thibodeau, with two votes.

Analysis of Write-In Votes in NYC Mayoral Race

The recent New York City mayoral election delivered unexpected insights through the release of write-in votes. While Zohran Mamdani’s victory over Andrew Cuomo marked the official result, the write-in ballots revealed an intriguing mix of names, reflecting a diverse and, at times, humorous cross-section of public opinion. Voters cast ballots for a variety of athletes, celebrities, and even historical figures, painting a fascinating picture of the city's current cultural landscape.

The sheer variety of choices—from iconic figures like Harriet Tubman and Jesus Christ to sports legends such as Hank Aaron and Lou Gehrig—speaks volumes about the types of public figures that resonate with New Yorkers. Notably, some names were misspelled or outdated, indicating either a lack of awareness or perhaps the lasting imprint these figures have on popular culture. The inclusion of athletes like Jalen Brunson and Aaron Judge, alongside more politically charged choices like Hillary Clinton, further reflects the blurring of lines between sports, media, and politics in today's social landscape.

These write-in results raise important questions about voter engagement and the extent to which the mayoral race has become intertwined with broader cultural conversations. While these votes might seem irrelevant on the surface, they signal a shift in how public figures are perceived and how voters connect with political and social issues. Whether these choices reflect genuine support or simply playful protest remains a matter of interpretation, but the results offer a valuable snapshot of the current cultural zeitgeist in New York City.

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• Jalen Brunson, 'Jackson Dart' and Lou Gehrig among athletes to receive write-in votes in NYC mayor election

Author: Maya Henderson
Maya Henderson is a journalist focused on technology and startups. She has experience in leading IT publications and excels at conducting interviews and creating visual content.