Andrew Cuomo Narrows Gap with Zohran Mamdani in NYC Mayor Race
The New York City mayoral race is intensifying as Election Day approaches. With early voting currently in progress, independent candidate Andrew Cuomo has made significant gains, halving the lead of Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani to ten points. Recent data from a Suffolk University Boston poll reveals that Mamdani is ahead of Cuomo with 44% to 34%, compared to a 20-point lead for Mamdani in a previous September poll.
Key Insights from the Latest Poll
The latest Suffolk University Boston poll was conducted after Mayor Eric Adams endorsed Cuomo. Details from the poll indicate:
- Mamdani: 44%
- Cuomo: 34%
- Sliwa (Republican nominee): 11%
- Undecided voters: 7%
- Poll sample size: 500 likely voters
- Margin of error: 4.4%
This is the first indication in months that the gap between Cuomo and Mamdani is closing significantly. According to David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center, Curtis Sliwa’s supporters could play a critical role in the outcome, especially considering they prefer Cuomo as their second choice over Mamdani by a substantial margin.
Early Voting Trends
Early voting activity has shown a remarkable increase compared to four years ago. Over 223,000 individuals have voted in just three days. The turnout, especially among older voters, has been particularly notable:
- Older voters are outpacing younger voters who largely supported Mamdani in the primaries.
- Cuomo described the turnout as extraordinary, citing public frustration and a desire for effective leadership.
Former Governor David Paterson believes this surge in older voters could favor Cuomo, suggesting that if this trend continues, he might win by three to five points.
Responses from Candidates
Each candidate has acknowledged the importance of voter turnout:
- Mamdani expressed confidence in his campaign and outreach efforts to older voters, emphasizing the positive nature of increased participation.
- Sliwa affirmed that the decision lies with the voters, as he continues his campaign activities in the subways, engaging directly with constituents.
As the race nears its conclusion, experts suggest that the dynamics could shift quickly. Political analysts remain cautious, noting that polling numbers can fluctuate significantly in the final days. All three candidates are committed to intensifying their campaigns as they head toward the November 4 election.
Conclusion
The NYC mayoral race featuring Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani is becoming increasingly competitive. With early voting and changing demographics among voters, the next few days will be crucial in determining the election’s outcome.
