Zohran Mamdani Holds Commanding Lead In New York Mayoral Race, Poll Shows

Last Updated:September 26, 2025, 22:10 IST

Zohran Mamdani leads the New York City mayoral race with 45 percent, ahead of Andrew Cuomo, Curtis Sliwa and Eric Adams.

Zohran Mamdani is seen. (Image Credit: Reuters)

Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani surged ahead in the race for New York City mayor, holding a 20-point lead over his closest rival, according to a new Suffolk University–CityView poll. The 33-year-old democratic socialist from Queens- who stunned political observers in June by defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo and nine other contenders in the Democratic primary- commands 45% support among likely voters.

Andrew Cuomo, now running as an independent after his primary loss, trails with 25%, while Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa registers 9% support. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, also seeking re-election as an independent, is polling at just 8%. Three other candidates combined for 1%, with 9% of voters still undecided.

Zohran Mamdani’s frontrunner status is reinforced by strong support from minority communities. The poll shows that 53% of Black voters back him, compared to 21% for Andrew Cuomo and 10% for Eric Adams. Among Hispanic voters, Zohran Mamdani leads with 52%, while Andrew Cuomo trails at 22%, and both Curtis Sliwa and Eric Adams remain in single digits. His edge is even more pronounced among Asian voters, where 58% favour Zohran Mamdani against 20% for Andrew Cuomo. The race is somewhat closer among white voters, though Zohran Mamdani still holds the lead with 38%, followed by Andrew Cuomo at 30%, Sliwa at 13%, and Eric Adams at 9%.

The poll shows that affordability (21%), crime (20%) and jobs/economy (14%) are the top issues shaping voter choices. Housing also ranked high, with 9% citing it as their main concern. Zohran Mamdani’s proposals include: free tuition at City University of New York (CUNY), fare-free buses, rent freezes on public housing, free childcare and publicly run grocery stores.

According to the poll, 59% of respondents rejected claims that Zohran Mamdani is antisemitic, while 52% disagreed with the suggestion that his policies would drive businesses out of New York by raising taxes.

The Suffolk University–CityView poll, conducted between September 16 and 18, is the first to include all seven certified candidates with their ballot affiliations.

The New York City mayoral election is scheduled for November 4.

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