PATERSON - In the closing hours of the campaign cycle, candidates prowled the city

pounding pavement, looking to make contact with voters.

Incumbent Mayor Andre Sayegh looked like a strong favorite heading into tomorrow, May 12th, with Governor Mikie Sherrill proud to stand at his side. The mayor campaigned on Saturday and found himself consumed with city business on Monday.

InsiderNJ spied Sayegh's longtime rival, Councilman Alex Mendez, in the 6th Ward.

Watch the interview with Councilman Mendez below:

Later in the Third Ward, state Senator Benjie Wimberly (D-35) moderated a barber shop chair discussion about the election.

Assemblyman Kenyatta Stewart (D-35) was in the room (pictured above), along with former Mayors Jose "Joey" Torres and Jeffrey Jones.

Stewart is officially unaffiliated in the mayor's race, while his slate mate, Assemblyman Al Abdelaziz (D-35) supports Sayegh.

Wimberly has not issued a formal endorsement in the contest.

Below, watch candidate Casey Melvin:

For more on the at-large council candidates, please go HERE.