A new poll from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut, shows that with less than two months until Election Day in New York City, Democrat Zohran Mamdani leads the race for New York City mayor with 45% support among likely voters. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo who is running as an independent candidate has 23% support, while Republican Curtis Sliwa has 15%, and Mayor Eric Adams running as an independent candidate has 12%.
Among likely voters backing Mamdani, 91% say they are either very or somewhat enthusiastic.
“In a mayoral race that seems to grow more intense by the day, Zohran Mamdani has the wind at his back less than two months until Election Day. While a lot can happen in the race between now and Nov. 4, Mamdani’s edge on enthusiasm among supporters is a plus,” said Quinnipiac University Poll Assistant Director Mary Snow.
If Adams were to exit the race, Mamdani would receive 46% support among likely voters, Cuomo would receive 30% percent support and Sliwa would receive 17%, according to the poll.
It was widely reported that some Republicans, including President Trump, would like to see a two-person race with Mamdani facing Cuomo on the theory that Cuomo could win if he picked up all of the Republican votes that would have gone to Sliwa as well as the anti-Mamdani votes that would have gone to Adams.
As to the issues that are were most important when deciding on the pick for mayor, 30% of likely voters said crime, 21% said affordable housing, and 13% said inflation.
Quinnipiac found that among likely voters 65% support raising taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers to pay for programs and initiatives in New York City.
When asking about Donald Trump, the poll found only 26% of likely voters in New York City approve of the way Trump is handling his job as president, while 69% disapprove, and 5% did not offer an opinion.
“The name not on the ballot but seen having influence on this race is President Trump,” Snow said. “And likely voters in New York City make it clear they want the next occupant of Gracie Mansion to stand up to Trump when it comes to issues inside New York City.”
On the state level, 51% of likely voters approve of the way Gov. Kathy Hochul is handling her job while 36% disapprove, and 14% did not offer an opinion.
The poll has a margin of error of 3.9%.
