Andrew Cuomo gains traction in NYC mayor's race against Zohran Mamdani
- Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has increased his voter support to 33%.
- Cuomo is gaining traction following Eric Adams' withdrawal from the race, which has drawn attention to the ideological rift in the Democratic Party.
- The election outcome could indicate shifts in urban Democratic policy priorities and voter sentiment toward the current political climate.
In the lead-up to the New York City mayoral election, former Governor Andrew Cuomo has experienced a significant increase in voter support according to a new Quinnipiac poll conducted from October 3 to October 7, 2025. The poll revealed Cuomo has garnered 33% of likely voters' support, while Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani holds a leading 46%. Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa stands at 15%. Notably, this poll shows an increase from a prior survey where Cuomo had only 23% support, highlighting a notable shift as just 26 days remain until the election. The race has drawn considerable national attention as it reflects broader ideological divisions within the Democratic Party. Cuomo, who is running as an independent, sees his opportunity as bolstered by the recent withdrawal of Mayor Eric Adams from the race, following his announcement that he could not continue his reelection campaign despite previous achievements. Analysts suggest Adams' supporters are likely favoring Cuomo now, tightening the race against Mamdani, who still retains a double-digit lead. Though the new poll shows momentum for Cuomo, experts caution about overestimating these changes. Some express skepticism regarding the poll's accuracy, especially because it did not include Adams on the ballot test. This tight race reflects more than just city politics; it serves as a potential indicator of urban Democratic policy directions across the United States, particularly in response to the Trump administration's legacy in Democratic strongholds. Additionally, both candidates are also addressing pressing concerns, such as law enforcement policies in light of rising crime rates and plans to enhance tourism in New York for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, pointing toward each candidate's distinct visions for the city.