Sadia J. Choudhury | New York City
Zohran Mamdani, the Astoria-based Assemblymember and proud Democratic Socialist, is now leading the race to become New York City’s next mayor, according to a surprising new poll released Tuesday. The poll shows Mamdani ahead of prominent rivals including former Governor Andrew Cuomo, incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, and former GOP nominee Curtis Sliwa.
The survey, conducted by MetroPulse Research among 1,200 likely Democratic and independent voters, shows Mamdani with 31% support, while Cuomo lags behind with 26%, Adams with 22%, and Sliwa trailing far behind at 8%. Another 13% of voters remain undecided.
The results highlight a growing appetite among New Yorkers for a more progressive, grassroots-focused leadership — one that prioritizes housing, transit, and racial justice, key issues Mamdani has championed in Albany and on the streets.
In a statement following the poll release, Mamdani thanked supporters and reiterated his campaign’s message: “New Yorkers are tired of politics as usual. They want a mayor who will stand with tenants over landlords, with workers over billionaires, and with the people over the powerful.”
Andrew Cuomo, who has been attempting a political comeback after resigning from the governorship amid scandal, dismissed the numbers as “a temporary blip,” saying voters would return to “experienced leadership.” Eric Adams, facing mounting criticism over public safety and housing affordability during his tenure, said he is “confident New Yorkers know who has delivered real results.”
Political analysts say Mamdani’s edge reflects the city’s shifting demographics and frustration with establishment politics. “It’s a big moment for the left in New York City,” said Dr. Alisha Greene, a political science professor at CUNY. “But the question is whether Mamdani can expand his base beyond younger progressives and convince moderates he can govern effectively.”
With five months left before the Democratic primary, the race is far from over. But one thing is clear: Zohran Mamdani has become the candidate to watch — and the biggest threat to the city’s political establishment.
