Mamdani leads NYC mayoral race with 42%, poll shows him outpacing rivals despite Cuomo attacks
A new poll shows Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee and state Assemblyman from Queens, maintaining a commanding lead
NEW YORK, United States (MNTV) – A new poll shows Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee and state Assemblyman from Queens, maintaining a commanding lead in the New York City mayor’s race, underscoring his rise as a progressive force despite attacks from former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
The survey of 1,000 likely voters, conducted by Tulchin Research, found Mamdani ahead with 42%.
Cuomo trails in second place at 26%, followed by Republican Curtis Sliwa at 17%, incumbent Mayor Eric Adams at 9%, and independent candidate Tricia Walden at 3%.
The Tulchin poll is the latest in a series showing Mamdani as the frontrunner. An American Pulse poll conducted Aug. 14–19 placed him at 37%, with Cuomo at 25%, Sliwa at 17%, and Adams at 11%.
A Gotham Polling survey from Aug. 11 gave Mamdani 42% to Cuomo’s 23%. Earlier, a Siena University poll (Aug. 4–7) showed him at 44% against Cuomo’s 25%. Across surveys, Mamdani’s support has consistently ranged from the mid-30s to mid-40s, giving him a steady double-digit advantage.
Cuomo’s uphill battle
Although the Tulchin poll suggests Cuomo would narrowly beat Mamdani in a one-on-one matchup — 52% to 41% — that scenario remains unlikely. Other candidates have rejected calls to drop out, leaving the race firmly tilted toward Mamdani.
Cuomo, who resigned as governor in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations he denies, has struggled to rehabilitate his political image.
He has leaned heavily into portraying Mamdani as “too far left,” attacking his ties to the Democratic Socialists of America. In one speech, Cuomo claimed, “If Zohran Mamdani became mayor, how long would it be before Donald Trump took control of New York City?”
Analysts say the line of attack highlights Cuomo’s challenges: framing Mamdani as extreme while Mamdani energizes grassroots supporters with his progressive platform.
Mamdani, the son of Ugandan immigrants and a vocal advocate for housing justice, public transit investment, and Palestinian rights, has built a campaign rooted in grassroots organizing.
His ability to mobilize younger voters, immigrant communities, and left-leaning Democrats has fueled his rise from state legislator to a frontrunner in the nation’s largest city.
Political observers note that Mamdani’s campaign reflects a broader shift in New York politics, where progressive candidates are increasingly setting the agenda. “This race isn’t just about who will be mayor,” one strategist said.
“It’s about the future direction of Democratic politics in New York.”
With weeks to go before the election, Mamdani’s consistent lead — despite relentless attacks and hypothetical polls favoring Cuomo in a narrower field — underscores his momentum and growing appeal across the city.
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