Cuomo leads NYC mayor race, but rival Zohran Mamdani surges
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo holds 35% first‑choice support in a new Emerson College poll, while Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani climbs to nearly 23% as the June 24 Democratic primary nears.
Key points
- Cuomo leads with 35% first‑choice support in latest Emerson College survey.
- Mamdani rises from 1% in February to almost 23% by late May.
- Ranked‑choice voting could decide the primary among many candidates.
- Other contenders include Brad Lander, Scott Stringer, Adrienne Adams, Jessica Ramos, Zellnor Myrie, and Michael Blake.
- Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, running as an independent, is unlikely to advance past the primary.
The race for New York City mayor is heating up as the June 24 Democratic primary approaches, with former Governor Andrew Cuomo emerging as the clear front-runner in recent polls. Cuomo, who is attempting a political comeback after resigning as governor in 2021, currently commands 35% of first-choice support among Democratic voters, according to a new Emerson College survey.
However, Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani has rapidly climbed to second place, surging from just 1% support in February to nearly 23% by late May. Mamdani, a progressive backed by grassroots volunteers and small-dollar donors, is consolidating support among younger voters and left-leaning Democrats, making the race increasingly competitive as ranked-choice voting could play a decisive role.
Other notable candidates include city comptroller Brad Lander, former comptroller Scott Stringer, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, State Senators Jessica Ramos and Zellnor Myrie, and political consultant Michael Blake. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, facing low approval ratings and running as an independent after a tumultuous term, is not expected to advance past the primary.
The Democratic primary winner is widely expected to secure the mayoralty in November, given the city’s strong Democratic lean. Early voting begins June, with the final debate set for June. The outcome could signal the direction of the Democratic Party in New York and beyond as progressives and centrists vie for control of the city’s future.
Your questions, answered
Who is leading the NYC mayor primary?
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo is leading with 35% first‑choice support in a recent Emerson College poll.
How has Zohran Mamdani performed in recent polls?
Mamdani has risen from 1% in February to nearly 23% by late May, making him the second‑place candidate.
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