Mamdani leads Cuomo in NYC poll

Poll shows Mamdani ahead of Cuomo in the city and outlines a shrinking lead for Hochul against Stefanik in a 2026 scenario.

Mamdani leads Cuomo by 19 points in New York City mayoral poll

A Siena Institute poll released this week shows Zohran Mamdani leading former governor Andrew Cuomo 44% to 25% in the New York City mayoral race, with Curtis Sliwa at 12% and incumbent mayor Eric Adams at 7%. Cuomo leads among Black and Jewish voters, while Mamdani runs strongest with 18- to 34-year-olds and trails Cuomo among older residents. Cuomo and Adams are running as independents, while Mamdani is the Democratic nominee.

Outside New York City, voters view Mamdani less favorably, with 37% unfavorable and 28% favorable. Cuomo registers a weaker statewide image, with 61% describing him as poor. Hochul’s position remains unsettled, and several leading centrist Democrats have yet to publicly back Mamdani. On the campaign trail, Mamdani is highlighting a broader national critique under the banner Five Boroughs Against Trump, while Cuomo focuses on housing policy and what he calls Zohran’s Law to limit rent-stabilized benefits to high-earners. A video attacking Cuomo over links to Jeffrey Epstein has amplified the clash over ethics and transparency during the race.

The poll signals a city base that is open to reformist candidates while still showing the traditional party split that can complicate a party’s statewide prospects. Mamdani’s strength with younger voters contrasts with Cuomo’s retention among minority groups, suggesting the race hinges on turnout and how much weight voters give to housing and economic policy versus symbolic appeals. The absence of unified party endorsements for Mamdani underscores ongoing tensions inside the Democratic coalition, and Hochul’s reluctance to fully back the nominee could dampen momentum. National shadows, including the Epstein links and a broader debate over housing fairness, add volatility to a city election that often rewards ground-level organization over televised attacks.

Highlights

The next phase will test whether city-wide energy can translate into a durable political coalition.