A new Fox News poll has revealed that Democrat Zohran Mamdani is leading the New York City mayoral race with 45% support, significantly outpacing former governor and independent candidate Andrew Cuomo at 27%. The poll reflects widespread voter dissatisfaction with the city’s current direction, as most New Yorkers are looking for significant changes in governance. This sentiment has propelled Mamdani, a democratic socialist, to the forefront of the race despite concerns that his proposed tax increases could potentially drive people out of the city.
The poll also highlights the diverse demographic support that Mamdani has garnered. He receives strong backing from very liberal voters (79%), those under age 35 (61%), women under 45 (60%), and Black and Hispanic voters (49% each). In contrast, Cuomo finds his best support among Jewish voters (40%), White voters ages 45+ (37%), voters ages 65 and older (33%), and moderates (31%).
The poll indicates that the current administration faces significant challenges. About 62% of voters are dissatisfied with the direction the city is heading in, with at least six out of ten Democrats, Republicans, and independents expressing unhappiness. This dissatisfaction has resulted in three-quarters of voters wanting either substantial, dramatic, or revolutionary changes in how the city’s government is run. Mamdani holds a significant lead among those seeking change and even maintains an advantage among voters satisfied with the current situation.
Mamdani’s supporters are more enthusiastic about voting this year (63%) and more certain of their support (83%) compared to other candidates. Most of his backers describe their backing as being for him rather than against his opponents (86% vs. 12%).
Cuomo, on the other hand, receives strong support from a significant portion of voters, but he faces criticism from those who are concerned about his policies. For instance, some of the top reasons for disliking Cuomo are his experience and sexual harassment allegations. Additionally, his supporters are less enthusiastic, with only 32% being enthusiastic and 65% certain of their support.
Crime is the number one concern for Republicans (50%) and independents (29%), while for Democrats, it is divided across costs, crime, and housing. Cuomo is narrowly favored among those who prioritize crime, but Mamdani has a significant lead among those citing the cost of living and housing as their primary concerns.
The poll also includes insights into the economic challenges facing New York City. The cost of living is the second-highest concern, followed by a lack of affordable housing. The poll indicates that raising taxes will likely lead to a mass exodus of businesses and people, but raising taxes on high-income residents is a policy that has widespread support among voters of all political affiliations.
The poll also includes insights into voters’ preferences on the Middle East and immigration. Most voters prefer supporting the Palestinians over the Israelis, which aligns with Mamdani’s stance, while Cuomo’s position on Israel is more aligned with the Israeli side. The perception of Mamdani’s left-leaning economic policies as a potential Achilles heel appears unlikely given the current political climate in New York, where liberal voters outnumber conservatives significantly.
Finally, the poll highlights the perception of political rhetoric’s effect on violence, with voters being more likely to believe that Republican rhetoric is leading to an increase in violence than that of Democrats. This perception may further influence voters’ decisions in the upcoming mayoral race.