A recent poll, conducted with a pro-Eric Adams bias, has revealed a surprising lead for Zohran Mamdani in the 2025 New York City mayoral race, with the democratic socialist securing 41% of the vote. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo trails at 26%, while incumbent Mayor Eric Adams lags behind at 16%. The results, coming from a survey designed to favor Adams, underscore Mamdani’s growing momentum as the Democratic primary winner heads into the November general election. This development signals a potential shift in the city’s political landscape, with voters increasingly drawn to Mamdani’s progressive platform focused on affordability and systemic change.
Mamdani, a 33-year-old state assemblyman from Queens, has galvanized a diverse coalition with his bold proposals, including rent freezes for stabilized apartments, free city buses, and city-owned grocery stores to address New York’s cost-of-living crisis. His campaign has resonated particularly with younger voters, college-educated residents, and communities in gentrifying neighborhoods like Brooklyn’s Greenpoint and Queens’ Ridgewood. The poll highlights Mamdani’s ability to outperform expectations, even in a survey skewed toward Adams, suggesting his message is cutting through a crowded field that includes Republican Curtis Sliwa and independent candidate Jim Walden.
Andrew Cuomo, once considered the frontrunner, has struggled to maintain his early lead. Despite strong support among Black voters and older demographics, his independent candidacy on the “Fight and Deliver” ticket has not gained the traction he anticipated after losing the Democratic primary to Mamdani. The poll indicates that Cuomo’s appeal, while still significant, is being overshadowed by Mamdani’s grassroots energy and endorsements from prominent progressives like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders. Cuomo’s campaign has hinted at continuing in the general election, but his path to victory appears increasingly narrow.
Eric Adams, running as an independent after opting out of the Democratic primary, faces significant challenges. The poll reflects his low approval ratings, with 67% of voters disapproving of his performance and 75% agreeing he is corrupt and should not seek re-election. Adams has attempted to position himself as a centrist alternative, criticizing Mamdani’s progressive policies as unrealistic and emphasizing his own record on crime reduction and business-friendly initiatives. However, the dismissal of federal corruption charges against him by the Trump Justice Department has fueled accusations of political favoritism, further eroding his support.
The survey, conducted by a pro-Adams group, underscores the uphill battle the incumbent faces in a city where Democrats outnumber Republicans six to one. Mamdani’s lead, even in a poll designed to boost Adams, suggests that voters are prioritizing affordability and progressive change over establishment politics. With 1,026,783 votes counted in the Democratic primary—the highest turnout since 1989—Mamdani’s victory reflects a surge in engagement, particularly among young and minority voters.
As the November election approaches, the race remains volatile. Mamdani’s progressive vision will face scrutiny from business leaders and centrists wary of his policies, while Adams and Cuomo aim to capitalize on any missteps. The poll’s results, however, indicate that Mamdani’s focus on affordability and his ability to mobilize a broad coalition may position him as the frontrunner to become New York City’s next mayor.
