Zohran Mamdani’s Path To New York Mayor May Not Be A Cakewalk, Poll Suggests

Last Updated:August 28, 2025, 16:55 IST

Zohran Mamdani leads a five-way New York City mayoral poll but would lose to Andrew Cuomo in a head-to-head, poll suggests.

Zohran Mamdani is seen. (Image Credit: Reuters)

Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani could easily win November’s New York City mayoral election in a crowded field but may lose in a head-to-head contest against former governor Andrew Cuomo, as per a new poll commissioned by the New York Apartment Association.

The survey by Tulchin Research projected Zohran Mamdani would secure 42% of the vote in a five-way race, ahead of Andrew Cuomo on 26%, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa on 17%, incumbent mayor Eric Adams on 9% and independent Jim Walden on 3%.

But in a hypothetical one-on-one contest, the poll found Andrew Cuomo would beat Zohran Mamdani 52% to 41%, while Zohran Mamdani would edge Eric Adams 45% to 42%.

What Democrats Said On Latest Poll On Zohran Mamdani?

Several Democratic strategists dismissed the results, arguing the scenario was unrealistic given the current ballot.

Ken Frydman, a longtime Democratic consultant, said as per the New York Post, “Looks like a fantasy poll commissioned by Andrew Cuomo."  Another strategist, Sam Raskin, said, “These are people who don’t want Mamdani. They are trying to create a scenario that doesn’t exist."

The poll comes after Andrew Cuomo lost the Democratic primary earlier this year, where Zohran Mamdani benefited from strong support among younger voters. Analysts noted the new survey’s sample skewed older with nearly two-thirds of respondents aged 50 or above.

Why Republican Factor Could Benefit Zohran Mamdani?

Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels and the Republican nominee, remains a strong third-place contender and has ruled out stepping aside. His presence on the ballot, analysts said, makes a one-on-one contest between Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo unlikely. Mayor Adams, who is standing for re-election as an independent while under the cloud of corruption scandals, polled in single digits.

The survey of 1,000 likely voters, conducted between August 7-14, has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

Location :

New York, United States of America (USA)

First Published:

August 28, 2025, 16:55 IST

News world Zohran Mamdani’s Path To New York Mayor May Not Be A Cakewalk, Poll Suggests

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