Democratic mayoral primary winner and state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani is leading the pack of candidates to potentially govern New York City in a new poll released Wednesday.
Why It Matters
The outcome of the New York City mayoral race carries implications extending far beyond city limits. Despite Mamdani’s ascent among primary voters and his progressive base, the broader Democratic Party establishment has not unified behind him.
He has yet to secure endorsements from Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer or House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, all of whom have withheld public support even after his primary win.
This hesitation underscores internal Democratic divisions over Mamdani’s platform, which sharply departs from establishment policies. His campaign pledges—rent freezes, city-owned grocery stores, no-cost child care and “Trump-proofing” city administration—cling to a progressive vision that some party officials warn could alienate centrist and independent voters needed for a general election victory.
What To Know
In the poll by Slingshot Strategies, first reported by the New York Post, Mamdani has 36 percent of the vote compared to former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo‘s 27 percent and current New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ 14 percent. Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa landed 16 percent of the vote and independent candidate Jim Walden received 2 percent.
The survey was taken from July 2 to July 6 among 1,036 registered voters in New York City, with a margin of error of 4.2 percent.
When asked if New York City voters have a favorable or unfavorable view of the candidates, 40 percent had a favorable view of Mamdani compared to a 36 percent unfavorable view.
Cuomo received a 44 percent total favorable rating versus 46 unfavorable. Adams had the most defeating numbers, with a total favorable rating of 28 percent compared to 62 percent having an unfavorable view of him.
Mamdani saw his strongest support from millennials, Cuomo from voters with children in private schools, Adams and Sliwa with Republicans and Walden with voters who have children in public schools.
Mamdani has fielded recent attacks from Republicans, including President Donald Trump, who has called him a “communist” and floated possibly arresting him.
What People Are Saying
Dr. Laura Tamman, clinical assistant professor of political science at Pace University, told Newsweek via email Wednesday: “I think it’s taking some time for the ‘old guard’ in New York City politics to see that the times have changed. It would be foolish for a sitting Democrat who represents New York City to endorse someone other than the Democratic nominee for Mayor.”
Tamman continued, “The only question is – do they endorse or stay out of the race entirely? I expect they will eventually embrace Assemblymember Mamdani’s compelling message of affordability and his army of energetic young voters.”
Mamdani on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday: “We can deliver affordability and fight authoritarianism at the same time. I am eager to partner with state and federal leaders to do exactly that.”
Adams on X on Tuesday: “This is a ‘promises made, promises kept’ administration and our newly passed ‘Best Budget Ever’ is the next chapter in how we continue to keep promises to our families. And that’s not all we celebrated last week!”
Cuomo on X earlier this month: “President Trump’s threats to arrest Assemblyman Mamdani, while predictable, are insulting to the American principles of justice and further New Yorkers resentment of his heavy-handed tactics and the compliance and complicity of his supplicants. It should be universally condemned.”
What Happens Next
New York City voters are scheduled to cast their ballots on November 4 to decide the city’s next mayor. The election is expected to draw national scrutiny and could determine the direction of the city as well as the Democratic Party as a whole on issues of affordability, public safety and social policy.
Analysts, including Nate Silver, have pointed out that the general election’s broader electorate, which includes more conservative voters, may challenge Mamdani’s prospects, making endorsements and coalition-building pivotal for the November result.
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