Zohran Mamdani’s Lead Holds, But Cuomo Closes the Gap in NYC Mayoral Showdown
With just weeks to go until New York City’s high-stakes mayoral election, a new Quinnipiac University poll shows Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani maintaining a double-digit lead — but former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is gaining ground fast.
Mamdani leads the race with 46% of likely voters, while Cuomo, running as an independent after a bitter primary loss, now stands at 33%. Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, returning for a second run, holds steady at 15%. The poll, conducted October 3–7, follows Mayor Eric Adams’ dramatic exit from the race amid mounting scandals.
Compared to last month’s numbers, Mamdani has gained just 1 point, while Cuomo surged 10 points, absorbing most of Adams’ former support. “The numbers changed, but the contours of the race haven’t,” said Quinnipiac’s Mary Snow. “Cuomo picked up Adams’ supporters, but Mamdani remains firmly in front.”
Mamdani’s base is powered by Democrats (60%), Asian Americans (67%), and younger voters aged 18–49. Cuomo holds a commanding 60% lead among Jewish voters, while Sliwa dominates with Republicans (54%).
The enthusiasm gap also favors Mamdani: 90% of his supporters report being “very or somewhat enthusiastic,” compared to 85% for Sliwa and just 69% for Cuomo.
If elected, the 33-year-old Mamdani — born in Uganda — would become New York City’s first Muslim and first millennial mayor. His insurgent campaign stunned the political establishment in June, when he defeated Cuomo and nine others in the Democratic primary with a grassroots army and strong backing from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders.
His platform includes bold proposals: fare-free buses, tuition-free CUNY, rent freezes, universal childcare, and government-run grocery stores. While hailed by progressives, Mamdani’s agenda has drawn fire from opponents who point to his criticism of the NYPD, his foreign policy stances, and his calls to shift police responsibilities toward social services.
Cuomo’s team insists the tide is turning. “This race is shifting decisively,” said Cuomo spokesman Rich Azzopardi. “Mamdani remains stagnant.”
With Election Day fast approaching, the battle lines are drawn — and while Mamdani’s lead holds, Cuomo’s comeback bid is no longer a long shot.