Zohran Mamdani, a young politician with the image of a democratic socialist, has quickly become one of the most striking figures in New York politics. The son of immigrants from Uganda and India, he is known as an outspoken tenants’ rights advocate and a proponent of dramatically expanding social programs. His upset victory in the June primaries—defying the party establishment—has come to symbolize the growing influence of the Democratic Party’s progressive wing. Backing from Bernie Sanders and other left-wing politicians has only reinforced Mamdani’s image as a leader of a new generation ready to challenge the entrenched system.
Zohran Mamdani continues to hold a commanding lead in the New York mayoral race. According to an Emerson College Polling/PIX11/The Hill survey released Wednesday, the Democratic candidate leads former governor Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, by 15 points: 43% to 28%. Cuomo entered the race after losing the June primaries, where Mamdani scored his surprise victory.
Mamdani, a democratic socialist, has become a source of enthusiasm for the party’s progressive wing and of unease for its centrists. His populist left agenda delivered a sensational primary victory that drew wide international attention.
In the same poll, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa registered 10% support, while incumbent mayor Eric Adams, also running as an independent, stood at 8%. Nine percent of respondents said they remain undecided. Among voters “certain to cast a ballot,” Mamdani’s lead over Cuomo was even wider: 46% to 27%. Among voters under 50, Mamdani led by 29 points, compared with a 6-point margin among older groups.
The results mirror those of a New York Times/Siena University survey published earlier this week, which also put Mamdani ahead with 46% to Cuomo’s 24%. In that poll, Sliwa drew 15% and Adams 9%. Asked who would better address the city’s affordability crisis, 49% of respondents chose Mamdani versus just 24% for Cuomo.
As recently as August, a Siena Institute poll recorded a 19-point advantage for Mamdani.
Meanwhile, media reports said Donald Trump’s advisers sought to persuade Adams to withdraw his candidacy in exchange for a role in a future Trump administration. Similar talks were reportedly held regarding a potential position for Sliwa. According to the Times/Siena survey, if both Sliwa and Adams were to exit the race, the contest would tighten considerably: Mamdani would secure 48% versus Cuomo’s 44%. Both candidates, however, have publicly stated they will remain in the race.
Over the weekend, Mamdani appeared alongside Senator Bernie Sanders at a rally in Brooklyn, bolstering his support among progressive voters.