Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani emerge as the leading contenders in an increasingly competitive Democratic primary race for New York City mayor.
According to the New York Post, a new poll conducted by the Honan Strategy Group for the five-borough Chambers of Commerce shows Cuomo maintaining a substantial lead with 45% support among Democrats, while socialist candidate Mamdani secures second place with 22%.
The political landscape has shifted significantly following incumbent Mayor Eric Adams' decision to abandon the Democratic primary in favor of running on an independent ballot line. Cuomo's support has seen a steady increase from 35% in January to the current 45%, while Mamdani's backing has more than doubled from 9% to 22% during the same period.
City Comptroller Brad Lander trails significantly with 8% support, followed by City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams at 4%. Former Comptroller Scott Stringer and state Senators Zellnor Myrie and Jessica Ramos each garnered minimal support, with 3% and 2% respectively.
The poll, which surveyed 823 likely Democratic voters between April 16-17, reveals a shrinking pool of undecided voters, now at 14%. This represents a continued decline since polling began in January, suggesting voters are increasingly settling on their preferred candidates.
Pollster Bradley Honan notes that attacks on Cuomo's gubernatorial record, including sexual misconduct allegations and his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, have failed to diminish his support among Democratic voters.
With early voting set to begin on June 14 ahead of the June 24 Democratic primary, remaining candidates face crucial strategic decisions about their campaign focus.
The poll's rank-choice voting simulation, excluding undecided voters, projects Cuomo would secure 53% in the first round and ultimately defeat Mamdani 64% to 36% by the seventh round. Lander's support would peak at 14% before elimination in the sixth round.
Other candidates must now weigh whether to target Mamdani, who has gained significant support among young, anti-Trump voters, or continue their attempts to challenge Cuomo's frontrunner status.
The race has evolved into distinct voting blocs, with Cuomo appearing to capture most of Eric Adams' previous supporters following his withdrawal from the Democratic primary.
Despite facing millions in potential negative advertising during the campaign's final weeks, Cuomo maintains strong support among Democrats who view his COVID-19 crisis management favorably.
The broader mayoral election will also feature Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, and lawyer Jim Walden, who seeks an independent ballot line.
The Democratic primary for New York City mayor has crystallized into a clear two-person contest between Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani, with the former governor maintaining a commanding lead of 45% support among Democratic voters. As the June 24 primary approaches, candidates face mounting pressure to either consolidate anti-Cuomo support or pivot their campaigns to challenge Mamdani's rising progressive coalition. The outcome will likely be determined by the effectiveness of negative advertising campaigns and the ability of trailing candidates to gain traction in the crowded field before early voting begins on June 14.
