Poll indicates Zohran Mamdani is closing in on Andrew Cuomo in the mayoral race.

A recent poll conducted by Emerson College in collaboration with PIX and The Hill indicates that New York State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani is gaining ground on former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the race for mayor. Released on Wednesday, the survey shows Mamdani trailing Cuomo by 12 percentage points in the initial voting round but narrowing that gap to just 9 points in a simulated ranked-choice voting scenario.

This latest polling data marks a threshold moment in the Democratic primary race, as other recent polls have consistently placed Mamdani behind Cuomo by margins exceeding 20 points. The findings suggest a significant shift in voter sentiment within a relatively short time frame.

The Mamdani campaign asserts that this momentum reflects a changing dynamic in the race, stating that Cuomo has reached his peak electoral support, whereas Mamdani still has room for growth. The campaign is slated to deploy an extensive ground operation to capitalize on this momentum as the primaries draw nearer.

According to the poll results, Cuomo garnered approximately 35% of the vote in the first round, while Mamdani secured roughly 23%. The prior Emerson poll, conducted in late March, had indicated Cuomo at 38% and Mamdani at a mere 10%.

Despite the apparent tightening of the race, Cuomo’s campaign remains optimistic. A spokesperson for Cuomo characterized the poll as an anomaly, underscoring the former governor’s long-standing position as a frontrunner. Cuomo’s camp argues that his executive experience and record of achievements make him the most capable candidate to address the challenges facing New York City.

In the poll’s breakdown, Brad Lander, New York City’s current comptroller, placed third with 10.5% of the vote, followed by former Comptroller Scott Stringer at 9% and Council Speaker Adrienne Adams at 8%. Spencer Kimball, the executive director of Emerson College Polling, noted that Mamdani’s surge reflects a 23-point gain, suggesting that he is attracting a significant number of second-choice votes, nearly doubling those for Cuomo and potentially altering the race’s trajectory.

The poll also reveals demographic nuances, indicating that Mamdani holds an advantage among white, college-educated voters under the age of 50, while Cuomo maintains a robust lead among Black female voters over 50 years old. With just four weeks until the primary election, the evolving landscape raises crucial questions about whether Cuomo can maintain his lead or must adapt to counteract Mamdani’s encouraging surge in popularity.

As New York City approaches a pivotal moment in its political landscape, all eyes will be on the campaigns and the electorate’s response in the concluding weeks before the primary vote. The implications of this race will resonate well beyond the next month, potentially shaping the future leadership of one of the nation’s most influential cities.

Originally Published: May 28, 2025 at 7:38 PM EDT.