A new poll suggests that support for socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani may be slipping among New Yorkers, even as he continues to maintain a strong lead in the crowded mayoral race.
The Gotham Polling & Analytics survey, conducted for AARP and released this week, polled 1,400 likely voters and revealed a sharp divide in public opinion about Mamdani, a proud member of the Democratic Socialists of America.
According to the results, 47% of voters reported having an unfavorable opinion of Mamdani, while the exact same percentage — 47% — viewed him favorably.
This marks a notable shift from earlier surveys, where Mamdani’s unfavorable ratings ranged from the low 30s to the low 40s, indicating a growing number of voters who are turning against him.
Still, the August 11 poll showed the Queens assemblyman holding a sizable advantage, with nearly 42% support among likely voters. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo followed with 23%, GOP nominee Curtis Sliwa came in at 16%, and Mayor Eric Adams trailed with just 9%.
The poll results come nearly two months after Mamdani’s stunning upset victory in the Democratic primary, where he defeated Cuomo and upended his early comeback bid.
Since then, Cuomo — now running as an independent in the November general election — has failed to gain momentum and continues to lag behind in multiple polls.
Adams, who skipped the June Democratic primary but is seeking re-election on an independent line, has similarly struggled to secure significant support, remaining stuck in the single digits.
Despite Mamdani’s continued lead, cracks are beginning to show in his dominance.
He has faced challenges uniting the Democratic Party behind him, with many establishment figures distancing themselves from his progressive platform and far-left policies.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has so far refused to endorse Mamdani, publicly criticizing some of his proposals, including his plan to impose higher taxes on businesses and wealthy residents.
Over the weekend, Hochul — who faces her own re-election campaign next year — also slammed Mamdani’s proposal for city-run grocery stores, stating that she supports “free enterprise” and opposes government overreach into private markets.
Mamdani’s lack of institutional backing extends beyond Hochul. Two of the most influential Democratic leaders in Washington, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, both from Brooklyn, have also withheld their support.
The poll also tested a series of hypothetical scenarios in which candidates dropped out, measuring who voters would support if their first choice exited the race.
In every scenario, Mamdani still maintained his advantage, securing over 42% of support regardless of which rivals were removed from contention.
“Mamdani sits on a hard floor around forty percent but likely to have a firm ceiling below a majority – in a split field that’s enough to stay ahead,” said Stephen Graves, president of Gotham Polling & Analytics.
“Cuomo has the best path of the challengers, but even in a hypothetical one-on-one in an election that often favors lower-turnout, older electorates, he still trails by double digits,” Graves added.
“A disciplined persuasion campaign could still make this a race.”
{Matzav.com}
