NEW YORK (Diya TV) — New York City Assembly member Zohran Mamdani holds a strong lead in the race for mayor, according to a new poll conducted by AARP New York and Gotham Polling & Analytics. The survey of 1,376 likely voters shows Mamdani with 41.8% support, well ahead of former Governor Andrew Cuomo at 23.4%, Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa at 16.5%, and Mayor Eric Adams at 8.8%. About 7.9% of voters remain undecided.
“Mamdani sits on a hard floor around forty percent but likely to have a firm ceiling below a majority,” said Stephen Graves, president of Gotham Polling & Analytics. “In a split field, that’s enough to stay ahead. Cuomo has the best path of the challengers, but even in a hypothetical one-on-one, he still trails by double digits.”
The survey tested multiple “drop-out” scenarios. Mamdani maintained his lead in every case. In a head-to-head matchup with Cuomo, he holds an 11-point advantage. Nearly 27% of voters remain undecided in this scenario, a group mostly made up of older New Yorkers split between Democrats and Republicans.
Affordability, housing, and public safety emerged as key issues shaping voter decisions. Beth Finkel, state director of AARP New York, said the survey highlights a clear message from voters. “New Yorkers are telling the candidates loud and clear — show us your plan to make the city livable and affordable, and you’ll earn our vote,” she said. Older voters, who historically turn out in higher numbers, are especially focused on housing and the cost of living.
Mamdani has centered his campaign around affordability. He links policies on housing, transit, and childcare to the city’s broader cost-of-living challenges. His proposals include stronger rent protections, expanded access to public transit, and measures aimed at reducing household expenses. Mamdani’s focus aims to address the financial pressures that many New Yorkers face today.
The poll also revealed differences in support across demographic groups. Mamdani draws strong backing from Black, Hispanic, and Asian voters. He also has a plurality of support among White non-Hispanic voters. Cuomo performs best among Jewish voters, while Sliwa maintains solid support among Republicans.
The survey highlights widespread dissatisfaction with the city’s direction. Only 9.2% of respondents said New York is headed in the right direction. In contrast, 52.7% believe the city is on the wrong track. These numbers underscore voter concerns about affordability, safety, and quality of life in New York City.
The race remains competitive, especially with a split field and undecided voters still influencing potential outcomes. Affordability and housing are likely to remain central themes as candidates continue campaigning. Mamdani’s lead in the polls positions him as the front-runner, but the dynamics could shift as the election approaches and voter priorities evolve.
