Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic candidate for mayor of New York City, has recently gained significant traction, drawing level with Andrew Cuomo in the city’s primary race, according to a new poll. This development comes as voters brave record-breaking temperatures to make their voices heard at the polls. Mamdani, a 33-year-old New York assemblyman, is posing a formidable challenge to the 67-year-old former governor Cuomo, who hails from a prominent political family in New York.
A survey conducted by Emerson College Polling in collaboration with PIX11 and The Hill reveals that while Cuomo initially led Mamdani by 35% to 32% for first-choice votes—within the margin of error—Mamdani emerges as the frontrunner when the poll simulates the final round of the ranked-choice voting system. In this scenario, after eliminating six other candidates, Mamdani secures 52% of the vote compared to Cuomo's 48%.
The new ranked-choice voting system allows voters to select their top five candidates in order of preference. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the votes in the first round, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, and their votes are redistributed. This method could potentially benefit candidates who have not previously gained traction in the polls, such as comptroller Brad Lander, city council speaker Adrienne Adams, and former comptroller Scott Stringer.
It’s important to note that the mayoral primary does not include current Democratic Mayor Eric Adams, who has opted to run as an independent in the upcoming November election following a fundraising scandal. Cuomo continues to face scrutiny due to the sexual harassment allegations that led to his resignation in 2021. The down-ballot race also features another controversial candidate, Anthony Weiner, known for multiple sexting scandals, who is now running for the city council.
The primary race has evolved into a contest between a centrist candidate in Cuomo and a progressive hope in Mamdani. This showdown may reflect the broader trajectory of the Democratic Party nationally, with both factions eager for a decisive win. Cuomo's campaign is bolstered by substantial financial backing from some of New York's wealthiest individuals and endorsements from influential figures such as Mike Bloomberg, former mayor of New York City, as well as President Bill Clinton and Congressman Jim Clyburn.
Conversely, Mamdani has secured endorsements from notable progressives like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders. However, he has not received the endorsement of the New York Times editorial board, which described him as “uniquely unsuited” to address the city's challenges.
The race has also been marred by international political issues. Mamdani faced accusations of antisemitism for defending the phrase “globalize the intifada.” He argues that this phrase has been misinterpreted to discredit him and others advocating for Palestinian rights. Following a recent US military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, Mamdani criticized the action, describing it as a “dark new chapter” for the US. He remarked on social media, “Donald Trump ran for president promising to end wars, not start new ones,” emphasizing that such military actions could lead the world into deeper chaos.
In response to the situation, Cuomo asserted, “Iran cannot have nuclear capability. That’s number one. It’s dangerous not only for the region but also for international security and the United States.”
As the New York City mayoral primary approaches, the dynamic between Mamdani and Cuomo continues to evolve, promising an exciting race that may have implications for the future of the Democratic Party.
