He’s Back: Cuomo Takes the Lead in Mayoral Race Despite Controversy

Dictionary entry showing the word Controversy

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo maintains a commanding lead in the 2025 NYC mayoral race, while Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani makes surprising gains in a city facing mounting public safety concerns.

Quick Takes

Cuomo leads Democratic primary with 38% support, up from 33% in February
Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani surged from 1% to 10%, capturing second place
Mayor Eric Adams fell to third with 8% support amid 66% disapproval rating
Public safety tops voter concerns, followed by housing and immigration
Voters divided on congestion pricing (44% oppose, 42% support) and sanctuary city status (46% support)

Cuomo Dominates Despite Past Controversies

Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo continues to strengthen his position in the 2025 New York City mayoral race, according to a new Emerson College poll. Cuomo now commands 38% support among Democratic primary voters, a five-point increase since February. This lead persists despite lingering controversies surrounding his handling of nursing homes during the pandemic and sexual harassment allegations that led to his resignation as governor. The poll, conducted with 1,000 registered voters, including 653 Democratic primary voters, shows Cuomo with particularly strong support among minority communities.

Cuomo’s demographic advantages appear decisive, with 47% support among Black voters and 45% among Hispanic voters. His appeal also increases with voter age, gaining 44% support from those over 70 compared to just 21% among voters under 30. In a hypothetical three-way general election matchup, Cuomo leads with 43% against Republican Curtis Sliwa and independent Eric Adams, though nearly 30% of voters remain undecided in that scenario.

Democratic Socialist Surges to Second Place

The most surprising development in the race is the meteoric rise of Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist currently serving in the New York State Assembly. Mamdani has surged from just 1% in February to 10% support in the latest poll, placing him second in the Democratic field. This rise coincides with his aggressive social media strategy and campaign fundraising success, having reportedly reached the $8 million fundraising limit. Mamdani’s platform appeals strongly to younger voters, with 16% support among those under 30.

Mamdani’s policy proposals represent a dramatic leftward shift, including rent freezes, free buses, universal child care, and city-owned grocery stores. This platform appears to be resonating with progressives dissatisfied with the Adams administration. With the Democratic primary scheduled for June 24, 2025, Mamdani’s continued momentum could potentially position him as the main challenger to Cuomo’s frontrunner status.

Adams Struggles as Incumbent

Current Mayor Eric Adams continues to face significant challenges in his reelection bid, falling to third place with just 8% support, down from 10% in February. His administration has been plagued by widespread dissatisfaction, with a staggering 66% of New Yorkers disapproving of his performance and only 18% expressing approval. This poor standing comes amid growing concerns about public safety, particularly in the subway system, where 48% of voters believe conditions are becoming less safe.

Other candidates in the Democratic field include City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who entered the race recently and received 4% support. Nearly 18% of Democratic voters remain undecided or support candidates not listed in the poll, indicating potential volatility as the primary approaches. With economic concerns centered on housing costs (35% cite this as their top economic issue) and public safety dominating voter priorities, candidates face significant challenges in addressing New York City’s complex problems.

Key Issues Shaping the Race

Public safety has emerged as the dominant concern for New York City voters, followed closely by affordable housing, immigration, and healthcare. The poll reveals deep divisions on key policy issues, with 46% supporting New York’s sanctuary city status and 44% opposing the controversial congestion pricing program that would charge vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street. These divisions reflect the complex political landscape candidates must navigate to build winning coalitions.

Cuomo’s campaign platform emphasizes addressing housing affordability, enhancing public safety, tackling homelessness and mental health issues, and combating anti-Semitism. These position statements align closely with voter concerns identified in the poll, potentially explaining his strong support. With early voting beginning a week before the June 24 primary, candidates have limited time to make their case to an electorate increasingly concerned about quality of life issues in America’s largest city.