Cuomo and Mamdani Neck-and-Neck in Two-Way NYC Mayoral Race, Poll Shows
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Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo squeaked out a slight lead over Democratic mayoral primary winner and state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani in a two-way race, a new poll Tuesday shows. The numbers are still within the margin of error for a statistical tie.
Newsweek reached out to Mamdani's campaign via email for comment.
Why It Matters
The outcome of the New York City mayoral race is seen as a crucial national barometer for Democratic Party dynamics after setbacks in 2024. While the city has historically favored the Democratic nominee in general elections, this year's cycle has seen an unusual level of uncertainty and shifting alliances after Mamdani, a democratic socialist, secured a surprise primary win.
Cuomo's resurgence as an independent, along with current New York City Mayor Eric Adams' entry into the field as an independent, highlights a broader realignment and division within the party, fueled by debates over progressive policy proposals and the direction of Democratic leadership in major urban centers.
Mamdani's break from establishment norms has yet to garner formal public endorsements from New York's Democratic leaders, reflecting the degree of uncertainty and division within the party.
His platform, which proposes measures like free city buses and city-owned grocery stores, marks a distinct departure from prior mayoral campaigns and long-standing party orthodoxies.
What To Know
In a poll from Wick released on Tuesday, Mamdani was the frontrunner against Cuomo, Adams, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa. Mamdani received 39 percent of the vote versus Adams' 9 percent, Cuomo's 21 percent, and Sliwa's 19 percent.
In a potential two-way race versus Cuomo, Mamdani received 41 percent of the vote compared to Cuomo's 42 percent. In a two-way race versus Adams, Mamdani received 47 percent compared to Adams' 37 percent. Sliwa received 35 percent versus Mamdani's 53 percent in a hypothetical two-way race, the poll shows.
The poll surveyed 500 likely voters in New York City's November general election from July 18 to July 20 with a 4.4 percent margin of error.
Mamdani also garnered a 44 percent favorability rating compared to Cuomo's 34 percent, Adams' 22 percent, and Sliwa's 36 percent.
A recent poll this month also showed Mamdani in a statistical tie with both Cuomo and Sliwa.
This combination of pictures created on June 24, 2025, shows New York City mayoral candidate and democratic State Representative Zohran Mamdani (L) in New York City on April 16, 2025, and New York City mayoral...
This combination of pictures created on June 24, 2025, shows New York City mayoral candidate and democratic State Representative Zohran Mamdani (L) in New York City on April 16, 2025, and New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo (R) in New York City on April 13, 2025. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS and CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS,CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images) More
What People Are Saying
Kevin O'Leary, Shark Tank investor, on X on Monday: "I'm in New York for two days and reached out twice to Zohran Mamdani's team to request a face-to-face meeting. No reply last night. This morning, they said 'no interest.' That's disappointing. If he wants to lead this city, he should be open to hearing from investors. I'm not partisan. I care about policy. And I had real advice on housing, real estate, tech, and economic growth."
Sliwa on X this month: "Nobody is more New York than me. Cut my veins and arteries and I bleed this city, every block, every borough. I've spent my life fighting for New Yorkers and I'm not about to let Zohran Mamdani and his communist agenda destroy it. I'll beat him on November 4th and send a clear message to the nation: New York is back."
Mamdani on X this month: "More than two thirds of New Yorkers are tenants. Andrew Cuomo compared them to hotel guests. We need a Mayor who will bring our city together around an agenda to lower costs for everyone, whether they rent or own."
Cuomo on X ripping Mamdani this month in part: "As Zohran Mamdani attempts to reinvent himself for the general election in an attempt to play New Yorkers for fools, remember what he himself has said in the past. He is a fraud."
Cuomo then posted a quote from Mamdani.
As Zohran Mamdani attempts to reinvent himself for the general election in an attempt to play New Yorkers for fools, remember what he himself has said in the past.
He is a fraud.
"I know what someone wants to hear, right? I know what someone wants to hear to laugh. I know… https://t.co/XjYPmd9FIm — Andrew Cuomo (@andrewcuomo) July 16, 2025
What Happens Next
The general election for New York City mayor is scheduled for November 4, 2025. Polling is expected to intensify in the coming months, with Mamdani, Adams and Cuomo expected to compete vigorously for support among undecided voters and various demographic blocs.
The outcome could carry significant implications for the Democratic Party nationally, as party strategists and observers look to New York as a bellwether for the traction of progressive versus moderate agendas in urban contests.
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