Poll shows Zohran Mamdani in lead in New York City mayoral race
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A new poll places Zohran Mamdani as the forerunner for New York City’s mayoral race with a platform focused on housing justice, higher taxes on the wealthy, and expanded public services.
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Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani talks to people after the New York City Democratic Mayoral Primary Debate at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in the Gerald W. Lynch Theater on Thursday, June 12, 2025 in New York City. (Vincent Alban/The New York Times via AP, Pool)
Democratic primary winner and New York State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani has emerged as the clear frontrunner in the New York City mayoral elections, according to a new poll released Monday.
His rise highlights a growing shift within the Democratic Party as progressive platforms gain momentum ahead of the 2025 general election.
The poll conducted on August 11 showed Mamdani leading with 42% of the vote, far ahead of former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who secured 23%, and current Mayor Eric Adams, who received 9%. Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa captured nearly 17%, while 8% of voters remained undecided. Independent candidate Jim Walden trailed with 1.4%.
When asked about second-choice candidates, 35% of respondents chose Adams, 24% picked Cuomo, 15% supported Sliwa, 8% favored Mamdani, and 3% selected Walden. Mamdani also posted the highest favorability rating at 47.2%, compared to Cuomo’s 38.3%, Sliwa’s 31.3%, Adams’ 24.9%, and Walden’s 8.5%.
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Progressive platform challenges Democratic Party establishment
Mamdani’s campaign has positioned him as a sharp contrast to more centrist Democrats. His proposals include higher taxes on residents earning over $1 million annually, increased corporate tax rates, and a citywide rent freeze. He has framed his platform around affordability, housing justice, and expanded public services such as free childcare and public transportation.
As Mamdani seeks further Democratic Party backing from influential leaders like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, his candidacy has sparked debate about the future direction of the party in New York and the US more broadly.
Columbia University professor Robert Y. Shapiro told Newsweek that Mamdani appears well-positioned to maintain his lead, barring an unexpected scandal. “At this point, it looks like it is Mamdani’s race to lose,” Shapiro said, noting that neither Cuomo nor Adams could overtake him without significant shifts in voter support.
Support and criticism from national figures
National political figures have weighed in on Mamdani’s campaign. Independent Senator Bernie Sanders expressed support, urging voters to rally behind him as a candidate for working-class families. Republican Senator John Kennedy, meanwhile, criticized Mamdani on X, questioning why Democratic leaders have not distanced themselves from him.
The New York City mayoral general election is scheduled for November 4, 2025. Analysts expect voter turnout, youth engagement, and progressive mobilization to be key factors in shaping the race. Independent campaigns by Cuomo and Adams could also alter vote dynamics, creating potential opportunities for vote-splitting.
Observers note that national developments, including potential involvement from figures such as US President Donald Trump, could further influence the trajectory of the mayoral elections. For now, Zohran Mamdani holds a commanding lead, setting the stage for a heated contest that could reshape the Democratic Party’s direction in New York City and beyond.
