Mamdani Leads; Cuomo Gets GOP Endorsements

Multiple recent polls show Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani leading the New York City mayoral race, with Fox News (47% to Cuomo’s 31% and Sliwa 15%), Marist (48%–32%), Emerson (50%–25%) and Quinnipiac (43%–33%) offering varying margins. Mamdani’s strength is concentrated among very liberal and younger voters and sizable shares of Black and Hispanic voters, while Cuomo draws more support from voters 65+, many Jewish voters and white voters without college degrees; Sliwa remains a distant third. The contest has prompted unusual cross‑party dynamics, with some Republicans — notably Rep. Nick Langworthy — publicly endorsing Cuomo as the most viable option to stop Mamdani. Mamdani has faced criticism over statements and positions on Israel and antisemitism, including rejecting the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, comments related to the Gaza conflict and a pledge to seek the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which opponents have highlighted. With early voting surging and Election Day days away, both campaigns are pivoting to persuade skeptical constituencies — Mamdani courting seniors while Cuomo emphasizes experience and has campaigned with Mayor Eric Adams — and analysts warn Mamdani could win without a majority if anti‑Mamdani votes split.