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By Andrew Stanton
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A new poll of New York City's mayoral race showed former Governor Andrew Cuomo quickly rocketed to the lead following his campaign announcement, as support for incumbent Mayor Eric Adams continues to collapse.
Newsweek reached out to spokespersons for Adams and Cuomo for comment via email.
Why It Matters
The race will be an early test for Democrats as they try to win back voters who shifted toward Republicans in last year's election, like Hispanic, Asian American and young voters. President Donald Trump's gains with these voters made New York among the states with the strongest rightward trend in the 2024 election.
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Even though the city drifted toward Republicans, whoever wins the Democratic primary in the mayoral race will likely become the overwhelming favorite to win the November election in the left-leaning city.
The next mayor will be tasked with handling issues of public safety and immigration, which have been a snag for Democrats across the country who have sought to combat the notion they are soft on crime, giving the election a level of national importance.
What to Know
Cuomo, who over the weekend made his candidacy official, has an early lead, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll, which surveyed 1,260 registered voters from February 27 to March 3, 2025.
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Thirty-one percent of respondents said they intend to vote for Cuomo in the primary. Adams placed second, earning support from only 11 percent of respondents.
A flurry of more progressive candidates followed.
Eight percent of respondents said they are going to back State Representative Zohran Mamdani, 7 percent would support Public Advocate Jumaane Williams if he chooses to run, 6 percent said they are supporting the city's former Comptroller Scott Stringer, 5 percent are leaning toward incumbent Comptroller Brad Lander and 4 percnet said they plan to support state Senator Jessica Ramos.
Cuomo's candidacy is bolstered by his stronger support among moderates, as 41 percent of them said they plan to vote for him. Only 12 percent of those who describe themselves as "very" liberal are backing Cuomo at this point.
The poll also found that Adams' approval remains low. Only 20 percent of respondents gave him positive marks, compared to 67 percent who said they don't approve of how he's handling his job as mayor.
Adams was hit with bribery and wire fraud charges last year, though he has pleaded not guilty to all counts. The Department of Justice ordered all charges against him to be dropped in February, just weeks after President Donald Trump returned to office.
Cuomo resigned as governor in 2021 after a report from Attorney General Letitia James' office alleged that he sexually harassed multiple female employees and created a toxic working environment, allegations Cuomo has denied.
Polls released prior to Cuomo's entrance into the race similarly showed him with a lead.
What People Are Saying
Quinnipiac University Poll Assistant Director Mary Snow: "Three and a half years after scandals forced him to resign as New York's governor, Andrew Cuomo leads a crowded field of Democratic mayoral hopefuls with a boost from moderate Democrats. A key number to watch: 16 percent, the slice of voters who are undecided as this race gains more attention."
Democratic strategist Rebecca Katz on X: "If you're trying to understand the current state of the NYC mayor's race, this poll ain't it. Including Jumaane Williams' name does every candidate not named 'Andrew Cuomo' a disservice."
What Happens Next
The primary is set to be held on June 24, 2025, and candidates are expected to spend the next several months making their pitch to voters about why they should lead the country's largest city.
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