A new poll released this week has reshaped the dynamics of New York City’s mayoral race, showing Zohran Mamdani leading with just over 50% among likely voters, ahead of Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa. The results mark a major shift in voter sentiment, signaling strong support for Mamdani’s progressive platform in one of the most closely watched local elections in the country.
A Surging Progressive Campaign
Mamdani, a state assemblyman representing Queens and a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has built his campaign around affordable housing, public safety reform, and expanding citywide access to healthcare. His message of “New York for the Many, Not the Few” has resonated particularly among younger and working-class voters frustrated with economic inequality and rising living costs.
The latest poll, conducted by AMNY/CityVoice Research, places Mamdani at 52%, compared to Andrew Cuomo’s 34% and Curtis Sliwa’s 12%, with 2% undecided. Analysts suggest the margin is wide enough to give Mamdani a strong early advantage heading into the final weeks of campaigning.
“This is more than a poll number—it’s a sign that New Yorkers are ready for change,” said campaign spokesperson Leila Ahmed. “Mamdani represents a break from establishment politics and a return to people-centered governance.”
Cuomo and Sliwa Struggle to Regain Ground
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, seeking a political comeback, continues to rely on name recognition and a centrist appeal focused on experience and stability. However, his campaign has faced resistance from progressives and skepticism from some Democratic voters still wary after his 2021 resignation.
Meanwhile, Curtis Sliwa, leader of the Guardian Angels and former GOP mayoral candidate, has maintained a small but vocal base, campaigning heavily on public safety and police funding.
Political observers note that both Cuomo and Sliwa are facing difficulties connecting with younger voters—a demographic that has increasingly shaped New York City’s political identity.
National Eyes on New York
The race has drawn national attention, seen as a barometer for broader ideological battles within the Democratic Party. Mamdani’s rise is viewed as part of a growing leftward movement within urban centers, challenging traditional party leadership and establishment candidates.
“If Mamdani wins, it will send a clear signal that the progressive movement is not a fringe faction—it’s the future of city politics,” said Dr. Elaine Porter, a political science professor at NYU.
Key Issues Driving the Campaign
At the core of the election debate are issues that have long defined the city’s political discourse:
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Housing affordability amid record-high rents.
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Public transit reliability and infrastructure investment.
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Policing and community safety reforms.
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Climate resilience and green infrastructure.
Mamdani’s campaign has promised rent stabilization expansion, investment in public housing, and a “Green New Deal for New York City” that emphasizes renewable energy jobs and sustainability.
What Comes Next
With the election drawing near, both Cuomo and Sliwa are expected to intensify their efforts to narrow the gap. Cuomo’s campaign has already begun targeting undecided voters with ads highlighting his executive experience, while Sliwa continues to focus on outer-borough outreach.
However, for now, the momentum appears firmly behind Mamdani, whose campaign events have drawn enthusiastic crowds and endorsements from grassroots organizations across the city.
As the race continues, New York stands at a crossroads—between the politics of continuity and a bold experiment in progressive governance. If the current trend holds, the city may soon have one of its most transformative mayors in recent history.
