Mamdani Leads in NYC Mayoral Race; Affordability, Housing, and Safety Are Top Voter Concerns

Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani leads the field in the race for New York City mayor, according to a new poll of registered voters conducted by Gotham Polling & Analytics for AARP. In the initial ballot test, Mamdani received 42% support, followed by former Governor Andrew Cuomo (23%), Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa (17%), Mayor Eric Adams (9%), and other candidates (2%). Eight percent are undecided.

Voters express significant dissatisfaction with New York City's current trajectory. Only 9% say the city is headed in the right direction, while a majority (53%) believe it is on the wrong track. Looking ahead, 31% are very optimistic that with the right leadership, the city's future can improve, and 29% are somewhat optimistic. Meanwhile, nearly three in ten remain pessimistic about the city's future (21% somewhat pessimistic; 7% very pessimistic)

Consistent with past polls, affordability dominates the concerns of New Yorkers, alongside housing availability and public safety.

Methodology

This survey, sponsored by AARP and conducted by Gotham Polling & Analytics, was fielded August 11, 2025 among 1,376 likely voters in New York City. Respondents were invited by SMS text to complete a self-administered web survey (English only).

For more information, contact Kate Bridges at kbridges@aarp.org. For media inquiries, contact External Relations at media@aarp.org.