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.
