Zahran Mamdani Leads New York City Mayoral Race by Nearly 20 Points, Poll Shows

A recent Siena College poll shows New York City mayoral candidate Zahran Mamdani holding a commanding lead over his rivals. Mamdani has secured 44% support compared to 25% for former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo — a 19-point advantage. Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa follows with 12%, while incumbent Mayor Eric Adams garners just 7%.

Cuomo, who lost the Democratic primary to Mamdani, and Adams, who did not participate in the primary, remain registered Democrats but are now pursuing independent campaigns.

Among New York City’s Democratic voters, Mamdani enjoys significant backing, with 55% support against Cuomo’s 32%. Sliwa holds the loyalty of more than two-thirds of Republican voters. Among independents, Mamdani leads narrowly with 30%, followed by Adams at 20%.

Mamdani — a Democratic Socialist — is the only candidate with a positive net favorability rating among city voters, exceeding expectations by 14 points. He is viewed positively by 46% of respondents and negatively by 32%. Cuomo has a net negative rating of 17 points, Adams 28 points, and Sliwa 12 points.

While Mamdani has not yet reached the 50% mark in general election polling, his numbers show a slight upward trend compared to previous surveys. In a city with a strong Democratic lean, he remains the frontrunner for the November election, though his opponents hope for an upset. Cuomo has called for other candidates to consolidate support behind the strongest contender to challenge Mamdani, but both Adams and Sliwa have refused to drop out of the race.