NYC Mayoral Race: Mamdani Holds Significant Lead
The Democratic candidate for mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, appears to be in a strong position, boasting a 20-point lead over former Governor Andrew Cuomo, according to a recent poll by Suffolk University released this week.
The survey, which targeted likely voters for the upcoming general election in November, indicates that Mamdani has captured 45% of the support, with Cuomo trailing at 25%. Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa has around 9%, while the current mayor, Eric Adams, holds 8%. It’s worth noting that both Cuomo and Adams are running as independents.
Additionally, three other candidates—Conservatives Irene Estrada and independents Joseph Hernandez and Jim Walden—total a mere 1% support between them.
The poll also found that 9% of respondents remain undecided, and 3% chose not to disclose their preferences.
When participants were asked about the key issues in the election, 21% pointed to affordability as a top concern. This was closely followed by crime at 20%, the economy and job issues at 14%, and housing at 9%. Other issues mentioned included local responses to President Trump’s initiatives (8%), racism and justice (7%), and education (6%). Less than 4% mentioned other topics.
A narrow majority of 51% described life in NYC as “somewhat or very unruly,” while 58% felt the economy has worsened under President Trump, contrasting with 23% who believed it declined under former President Biden.
Interestingly, 56% of those surveyed indicated they believe Mamdani has responded adequately to accusations of anti-Semitism.
“This poll reflects that New Yorkers are primarily focused on issues like affordability, crime, and the economy,” commented David Perelologos, director of Suffolk University’s Center for Political Studies.
This latest survey aligns with other recent polls showing Mamdani outpacing his opponents. A previous New York Times/Siena University poll had him at 46%, with Cuomo at 24%, Sliwa at 15%, and Adams at 9%.
Another poll from Emerson College earlier this month also supported these findings, showing Mamdani ahead of Cuomo, 43% to 28%, while Sliwa garnered 10% and Adams was at 7%.
The Suffolk poll was conducted from September 16th to 18th and included 500 potential voters in New York City. The margin of error stands at 4.4% points.
