The race for New York City’s mayor in 2025 is heating up, with Zohran Mamdani holding a commanding lead in the polls. Mamdani, who won the Democratic primary in a surprising upset over former Governor Andrew Cuomo, continues to strengthen his position as the front-runner for the November general election.
Mamdani secured the Democratic nomination with 56.4% of the vote after ranked-choice voting was tallied, marking a significant milestone as a progressive candidate with strong grassroots support. Cuomo, who is now running as an independent, trails behind with about 43.6% of primary votes. Meanwhile, incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, running as an independent after skipping the Democratic primary, is polling in fourth place. Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa remains a distant contender but retains solid backing especially among Republican voters.
Recent polls reveal Mamdani leads Cuomo by around 15 to 16 percentage points among likely voters, including those undecided but leaning toward a candidate. Mamdani enjoys wide support among registered Democrats and unaffiliated voters, thanks in part to his progressive platform focusing on affordable housing, public safety reform, and climate action. His campaign has generated enthusiastic backing, with supporters displaying high levels of voter enthusiasm.
Cuomo and Adams are vying to consolidate opposition votes, but internal party divisions and shifts in voter sentiment have made it difficult for either candidate to close the gap with Mamdani. Curtis Sliwa, the Republican hopeful, garners notable support among Republicans but has limited appeal in the predominantly Democratic city.
As election day approaches, voter turnout and campaign strategies will play critical roles in shaping the final outcome. The 2025 mayoral race is set against a backdrop of pressing issues in New York City, including economic recovery, crime rates, and housing affordability, making it one of the most closely watched political contests in recent memory.
