A recent poll released on Tuesday indicates that even if President Trump could somehow set up a direct competition, Zohran Mamdani, a socialist mayoral candidate, would still outpace Andrew Cuomo in the general election.
When it comes to a straightforward comparison between the former governor and Mamdani, the latter stands ahead, particularly if Mayor Eric Adams and GOP contender Curtis Sliwa leave the race, with the numbers showing a 48-44 edge for Mamdani.
According to Don Levy, who directs Siena polls, “Cuomo is likely to capture a good share of both Adams’ and Sliwa’s current supporters, particularly among those over 45.”
In this context, Levy added: “Cuomo may ultimately need both Adams and Sliwa to bow out for him to fill the gap.”
Sliwa has consistently turned down the opportunity to engage with Trump’s potential roles, emphasizing his long-standing commitment to the race.
Meanwhile, Adams has been exploring flexible federal landing sites along with senior White House officials, including Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
The polling landscape shows a promising picture for Mamdani, with his approval rating jumping to 52%, putting him ahead of Cuomo at 46% and Sliwa at 24%, which is a significant 22-point lead.
Sliwa finds himself in third place with just 15% backing, while Adams’s outlook remains rather grim.
Levy noted, “Mamdani has made significant strides among younger voters, while those over 45 appear to be equally split between Cuomo and Mamdani in a four-way scenario.” He suggested that substantial shifts could occur if Adams and Sliwa withdrew, as Mamdani’s momentum seems to come from younger constituents who are particularly focused on economic issues.
