Cuomo Tops the Polls in 2025 NYC Mayoral Race Amid Concerns

Man opening suit to reveal glowing number one

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo dominates the 2025 NYC mayoral race with 38% support while Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani makes a surprise surge to second place, pushing incumbent Mayor Eric Adams to third position with just 8% backing.

Key Takeaways

Andrew Cuomo leads the Democratic primary field with 38% support, showing particular strength among older voters and minority communities despite past scandals.
Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani has surged from 1% to 10% support, becoming Cuomo’s closest challenger and showing strong appeal with younger voters.
Mayor Eric Adams’ support has fallen to just 8%, with 66% of New Yorkers disapproving of his performance.
Public safety ranks as voters’ top concern, with 48% believing the subway system is becoming less safe.
Housing affordability is the leading economic concern for 35% of voters, while opinions remain divided on sanctuary city status and congestion pricing.

Cuomo Commands Strong Lead Despite Past Controversies

Andrew Cuomo has strengthened his position in New York City’s upcoming mayoral election, with his support increasing from 33% to 38% since February, according to a new Emerson College poll. The former governor maintains substantial advantages among key demographic groups, particularly Black voters (47% support) and Hispanic voters (45% support). His backing increases with voter age, reaching 44% among those over 70, while only capturing 21% of voters under 30. The poll surveyed 1,000 registered voters, including 653 Democratic primary voters, with a credibility interval of 3 percentage points.

Cuomo’s campaign messaging focuses on addressing critical urban challenges, including housing affordability, public safety, homelessness, mental health services, and combating anti-Semitism. His popularity persists despite lingering criticisms regarding his handling of nursing homes during the pandemic and sexual harassment allegations that led to his resignation as governor. In a hypothetical three-way general election matchup between Cuomo, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and independent Eric Adams, Cuomo leads with 43% support, though nearly 30% of voters remain undecided.

Mamdani’s Unexpected Rise Reshapes Race

The most surprising development in the race is Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani’s surge from just 1% support in February to 10% in the latest poll, placing him second in the Democratic field. Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, has gained significant traction among younger voters, splitting the under-30 demographic with Jessica Ramos at 16% each. His campaign has emphasized progressive policies, including rent freezes, free public transit, and child care, and city-owned grocery stores – positions that appear to be resonating with a segment of Democratic primary voters.

Mamdani recently reached $8 million in campaign donations, hitting the city’s fundraising limit. His rise has been attributed to a strong online presence and grassroots organizing. With the Democratic primary scheduled for June 24, Mamdani appears positioned as the progressive alternative to Cuomo, though 18% of Democratic voters remain undecided or support other candidates.

Adams Faces Uphill Battle Amid Declining Support

Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams has seen his support decline further, dropping from 10% to 8% since February. The poll reveals deep voter dissatisfaction with his administration, with a staggering 66% of New Yorkers disapproving of his performance and only 18% expressing approval. Adams faces multiple federal investigations and has struggled to address key voter concerns, particularly regarding crime and public safety. Should he lose the Democratic primary, the poll suggests he would garner just 14% support as an independent candidate in a three-way race with Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.

Voter Concerns: Safety, Housing, and Immigration

Public safety emerges as the preeminent concern among New York City voters, with 48% believing the subway system is becoming less safe. Housing costs rank as the top economic worry for 35% of respondents, reflecting the city’s ongoing affordability crisis. Immigration policy also remains contentious, with 46% supporting New York’s status as a sanctuary city versus 40% who oppose it. Voters are similarly divided on congestion pricing, with 44% against the measure and 42% supporting it. These polarizing issues will likely shape campaign messaging as candidates seek to distinguish themselves ahead of the June primary.

The entrance of City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who received 4% support in her first poll appearance, further complicates the Democratic field. With nearly one-fifth of Democratic voters still undecided and early voting beginning in mid-June, the race remains fluid despite Cuomo’s commanding lead. As public safety concerns and economic anxiety continue to drive voter sentiment, candidates will need to present clear solutions to these challenges to gain traction in what promises to be a highly consequential election for America’s largest city.