10 Weeks to the Finish Line: New Yorkâs Mayoral Race Heats Up With the primary weeks away, candidates are sharpening their attacks, ramping up in-person events and preparing to spend the millions of dollars that they have stockpiled. Andrew Yang, who has been leading in polls, wants to be the chief cheerleader for the cityâs comeback.Credit...James Estrin/The New York Times April 11, 2021 It was opening day for Coney Islandâs famed amusement parks, long shuttered during the pandemic, and Andrew Yang â the 2020 presidential candidate who has shifted his personality-driven campaign to the New York City mayoral race â was in his element.