In the latest developments of the New York City mayoral race, a new poll reveals a surprisingly competitive landscape.
The survey, conducted by Gotham Polling and AARP, indicates that if the contest were narrowed down to just two candidatessocialist contender Zohran Mamdani and independent candidate Andrew Cuomothe race would be tight. Mamdani would garner 44.6 percent of the vote, while Cuomo would attract 40.7 percent, placing him within the poll's four-point margin of error.
This poll, which surveyed 1,040 likely voters over a two-day period, underscores the potential volatility of the race.
According to The Post Millennial, the dynamics shift when Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa remains in the race. In this scenario, Mamdani maintains a commanding lead with 43.2 percent support, compared to Cuomo's 28.9 percent and Sliwa's 19.4 percent.
The poll highlights a significant demographic factor: 78 percent of undecided voters are aged 50 and above, a group that could prove pivotal for Cuomo. Stephen Graves, President of Gotham Polling & Analytics, emphasized the importance of this demographic, stating, "The decisive factor in this race may be the older voters who havent yet made up their minds. If the contest narrows to two leading candidates, the 50-plus electorate by far the most reliable voting bloc will likely determine who becomes the next mayor of New York City."
The poll also sheds light on the pressing issues facing New Yorkers. A substantial 63.6 percent of respondents identified the cost of living as the city's most significant challenge, followed by public safety at 48.6 percent and housing affordability at 38.9 percent. These concerns are likely to shape the candidates' platforms and voter priorities as the race progresses.
During a recent debate, Mamdani criticized Cuomo's qualifications for mayor, pointing out his lack of engagement with the Muslim community until after Mamdani's primary victory. "It took Andrew Cuomo being beaten by a Muslim candidate in the Democratic primary for him to set foot in a mosque," Mamdani remarked.
He further accused Cuomo of failing to visit a single mosque during his decade-long tenure as governor.
Mamdani also addressed his ambitious proposals for free public transportation and childcare, suggesting that these initiatives could be funded by increasing taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers and aligning the state's corporate tax rate with New Jersey's. Meanwhile, Sliwa, known for founding the Guardian Angels, criticized Democratic leaders for their handling of public safety.
"I created the Guardian Angels to provide public safety in areas where government was incapable of doing so," he asserted. Sliwa expressed disdain for career politicians, stating, "Thank God Im not a professional politician."
Sliwa further lambasted policies such as no cash bail and the closure of Rikers Island, which he argued have exacerbated crime in the city. He recounted a personal incident involving his son, who was nearly killed in a gang attack, to illustrate the consequences of these policies.
As the race unfolds, the candidates' differing visions for New York City will continue to be scrutinized by voters, particularly those in the influential older demographic.
Login