Fox News Poll Finds Mamdani Holding Strong Lead in New York City Mayoral Race
A recent survey revealed that Zohran Mamdani leads the New York City mayoral race significantly ahead of a scheduled debate. According to the Fox News poll conducted from October 10-14, Mamdani commands a 21-point advantage among registered voters in the city, placing him in a strong position as the Democratic nominee.
Mamdani’s Strong Support Among Voters
The poll shows that 49% of registered voters support Mamdani, compared to 28% for independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and 13% for the Republican nominee, Curtis Sliwa. Among likely voters, Mamdani’s support even rises to 52%, while Cuomo and Sliwa receive 28% and 14%, respectively. Notably, incumbent mayor Eric Adams, who dropped out of the race, still garners 2-3% support due to his inclusion on the ballot.
Demographic Breakdown of Support
Mamdani enjoys robust backing from various voter segments:
- Very Liberal Voters: 78%
- Voters Under 30: 67%
- Democrats: 63%
- Women Under 45: 62%
Conversely, Cuomo’s strongest support comes from moderates (44%) and older voters aged 65 and above (44%). Sliwa retains 60% of Republican backing.
Key Issues for Voters
Voters identified several pressing issues for New York City:
- Crime: 25%
- Cost of Living: 20%
- Housing: 16%
- Homelessness: 8%
Interestingly, Mamdani has gained traction among crime-concerned voters, reversing a previously held 12-point deficit against Cuomo.
Mamdani’s Enthusiastic Support
Supporters of Mamdani are notably more enthusiastic about voting, with 75% expressing a strong commitment. In comparison, about 59% of Sliwa’s supporters and 43% of Cuomo’s supporters share this enthusiasm. Furthermore, 89% of Mamdani’s backers are certain they will vote for him, which positions him favorably heading into the election.
Voter Perception of Candidate Traits
Mamdani also excels in personal attributes, as nearly two-thirds of respondents feel he “cares about people like you” and is “honest and trustworthy.” In contrast, fewer than 60% feel the same way about Cuomo and Sliwa. However, Cuomo is perceived as a strong leader by 63% of voters, closely followed by Mamdani at 61%.
Changing Favorability Ratings
All candidates have seen favorable ratings rise since the last survey. Mamdani’s favorability increased by 8 points, while Cuomo’s improved from a net unfavorable rating to a slightly positive one. Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James also received positive ratings, with James achieving the highest favorability at 59% following her recent indictment.
Overall Trends in Voter Sentiment
Despite the challenges facing the city, 42% of voters are satisfied with its current direction, reflecting a 5-point increase since September. As the mayoral race intensifies, Mamdani’s substantial lead and favorable public perception present a formidable challenge for his opponents.
