Cuomo Lead Shrinks Amid Rising Mamdani Support in NYC Mayoral Race

The 2025 Democratic mayoral primary in New York City has tightened into a close race between former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, with Cuomo's lead shrinking significantly in recent polls. The latest Marist Institute for Public Opinion survey shows Cuomo leading Mamdani 55% to 45% in ranked-choice voting after multiple rounds, though Mamdani has cut Cuomo's lead nearly in half since May and gained substantial support among Latino voters, now leading 41% to 36% in that demographic. Mamdani's momentum is attributed in part to endorsements from prominent progressive figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, as well as his appeal to younger voters who prefer him over the 67-year-old Cuomo. Despite Cuomo maintaining a first-choice lead of 38% to Mamdani's 27%, about 11% of voters remain undecided, indicating the race is still competitive with early voting underway ahead of the June 24 primary. The contest has become highly polarized, with Cuomo and affiliated super PACs attacking Mamdani as radical, while Mamdani criticizes Cuomo's gubernatorial record and scandals. Overall, the dynamic reflects a broader dissatisfaction among voters with the direction of New York City and a preference for candidates opposing President Trump, as the primary enters its final stretch.