A recent poll conducted by Data for Progress sheds light on the evolving landscape of the 2025 New York City mayoral election. Queens Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani emerged as the frontrunner, garnering 40% of respondents’ support. In contrast, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who lost to Mamdani in the Democratic primary, is reportedly considering an independent campaign and currently sits in second place with 24%.
Mayor Eric Adams, running as an independent, follows closely behind with 15%, while Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa holds 14%. Independent candidate Jim Walden trails with just 1%, and 5% of those surveyed remain undecided.
The favorability ratings reveal significant insights into the candidates’ standings. Mamdani boasts the highest favorability rating among the five candidates, holding a score of 49% favorable to 40% unfavorable. This is notably higher than the Democratic Party’s own favorability, which stands at 49% favorable and 49% unfavorable. In contrast, Cuomo’s favorability is at 39% favorable to 59% unfavorable, while Adams registers at 29% favorable to 70% unfavorable. Sliwa’s ratings are similarly concerning, with a 32% favorable to 50% unfavorable score, and Walden struggles with a 9% favorable rating and a 15% unfavorable rating.
Adams Gains Ground with Republicans
Adams, who announced his reelection bid after a criminal campaign fraud indictment was dismissed in April, has positioned himself as a centrist candidate. The Data for Progress poll indicates that he is gaining favor among Republican voters, appealing to those seeking an alternative to Mamdani. As Adams aims to attract centrist Democrats alongside Republicans, his strategy appears to be resonating with a segment of the electorate.
Mamdani’s victory over Cuomo in the Democratic primary was unexpected, as many polls had predicted Cuomo would dominate. In the end, Mamdani secured a 12% lead following the ranked-choice voting process. Cuomo conceded to Mamdani shortly after polls closed, recognizing the significant gap emerging in the race. Despite his loss, Cuomo is preparing to formally enter the mayoral race as an independent, with plans to withdraw if he does not outperform other challengers by early September.
Walden has been vocal about the need for candidates opposing Mamdani to unite. He previously urged potential challengers to form a coalition to enhance their chances against the democratic socialist candidate. Several prominent figures who endorsed Cuomo during the primary have since shifted their support to Mamdani.
Favorability Ratings Among Democratic Politicians
The Data for Progress poll also assessed favorability ratings for other notable Democratic politicians. City Comptroller Brad Lander, despite an unsuccessful mayoral campaign, holds a favorable rating of 47% to 23%. Governor Kathy Hochul has a closely contested favorability score of 46% to 47%, while Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez enjoys a favorable rating of 54% to 39%. Attorney General Letitia James scores 55% favorable to 29% unfavorable, and Bernie Sanders maintains a substantial lead with a favorability rating of 63% to 34%.
The poll’s findings highlight the shifting dynamics in the New York City mayoral race, as candidates navigate a landscape marked by uncertainty and evolving voter preferences. As the election approaches in November 2025, the strategies and popularity of these candidates will be closely watched by both supporters and opponents alike.
