Among other mayoral races across the country, New York City's stands out.
It features a young Democratic socialist and political newcomer leading by wide margins; an establishment Democrat and former New York governor; and a Republican known for crime-fighting in a red beret.
Most local elections don't draw national attention, said Patrick Egan, professor of politics and public policy at New York University.
"This one is a little bit different," he said, citing "the high-wattage personalities" involved.
The race for New York City's next mayor is down to three candidates who will take the stage at Rockefeller Plaza on Thursday to win over any undecideds before the early November election in the nation's largest city.
