News Summary
The race for the mayoral seat in New York City is heating up as current polling shows Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani with a slight lead over former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Recent surveys indicate Mamdani’s support at 46%, while Cuomo has improved his standing to 33%. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, faces scrutiny over his policies, while Cuomo gains momentum from recent endorsements. With the election approaching, voter dynamics continue to shift, impacting both candidates’ campaigns.
New York City is witnessing a tightening race for the mayoral seat, with current polling data revealing significant changes in voter support levels between Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani and former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Recent surveys show that Mamdani, who has held a double-digit lead in earlier polls, currently garners 46% of voter support, while Cuomo has gained ground with 33% backing.
The latest Quinnipiac University poll illustrates this narrowing gap, particularly following the withdrawal of former New York City Mayor Eric Adams from the race. This development appears to have bolstered Cuomo’s standing, whose support has sharply increased from 23% in a previous poll conducted on September 10 to his current 33%. In contrast, Mamdani’s support has only slightly risen from 45% to 46% in the same period.
While the Democratic contest is heating up, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa maintains a steady position with 15% support across both recent polls. Sliwa’s campaign has focused on appealing to voters amid the shifting dynamics of the race.
Mamdani, a democratic socialist and state lawmaker representing Queens, has implemented strategies aimed at addressing concerns from business leaders regarding his socialist policies. He emphasizes affordability and residents’ rights in discussions with civic groups, including the Association for a Better New York. As part of a broader strategy to bolster the city’s economy, Mamdani plans to leverage New York City’s hosting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to enhance tourism and economic recovery.
In contrast, Cuomo’s campaign has seen an influx of financial support, reporting a total of $2,329,463 in public matching funds awarded by the Campaign Finance Board. This is a significant increase compared to Mamdani’s $1,029,721 in matching funds. Notably, Mamdani has already reached the spending cap for the race, which could impact his campaign efforts as election day approaches.
Cuomo’s campaign has begun to emphasize a shift in momentum towards his direction, particularly citing support from former Adams supporters as a key factor in his recent resurgence. With the general election just a month away, Mamdani acknowledges the urgency of his campaign efforts to sustain his lead against Cuomo’s advancing popularity.
Mamdani has proposed several ambitious policy changes including eliminating bus fares, making City University of New York (CUNY) tuition-free, implementing a freeze on rents for municipal housing, and establishing government-run grocery stores. These platforms are designed to appeal to a wide range of voters, yet Mamdani also faces scrutiny over his past statements regarding Israel and criticisms of the New York Police Department (NYPD), which some voters may find concerning.
Despite challenges, Mamdani boasts a robust campaign infrastructure with approximately 80,000 volunteers aiding his efforts. This extensive volunteer base is anticipated to help maintain his support levels in the face of Cuomo’s recent momentum.
As the race progresses, the absence of an endorsement from Eric Adams, who has not yet backed any successor during a recent trip abroad, adds another layer of uncertainty to the dynamics of the election. With both candidates ramping up their campaigning strategies, New York City voters are gearing up for a highly competitive mayoral election in the coming weeks.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Zohran Mamdani Unveils Ambitious Progressive Agenda for NYC
New York Housing Search Website Revamped for Accessibility
Zohran Mamdani Faces Andrew Cuomo in Tight NYC Mayoral Race
Mamdani’s Bold Spending Agenda for NYC’s Future
Cuomo Criticizes Mamdani on Socialism at Mayoral Forum
Zohran Mamdani Engages Business Community at Mayoral Forum
Cuomo Critiques Socialist Policies in NYC Mayoral Race
Cuomo Shifts Stance on Rikers Island Closure Plan
Zohran Mamdani Faces Backlash Over Oct. 7 Remarks
Mayoral Forum in New York City Highlights Divergent Candidate Strategies
Additional Resources
- CBS News: NYC Mayor Race Poll
- New York Times: Mamdani and the World Cup
- Fox News: Poll Reveals Mamdani’s Lead Shrinking
- USA Today: Cuomo Gains in NYC Mayor Poll
- New York Magazine: Mamdani Leads, Cuomo Gains
- Wikipedia: 2025 New York City Mayoral Election
- Google Search: 2025 NYC Mayor Election
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New York City
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
