Andrew Cuomo is gaining ground in the New York City mayoral race, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday. The survey of likely voters found Democrat Zohran Mamdani leading with 46% support, followed by independent candidate Andrew Cuomo with 33% and Republican Curtis Sliwa at 15%.
The results mark a 10-point increase for Cuomo since September, when he held 23%, while Mamdani’s numbers have remained virtually unchanged. The poll indicates that much of Mayor Eric Adams’ former support has shifted to Cuomo, tightening the race and signaling growing competition between the top two contenders.
Cuomo’s campaign emphasized the poll as a sign of momentum. “Today’s Quinnipiac poll confirms what New Yorkers are seeing across the five boroughs — this race is shifting decisively,” said Rich Azzopardi, Cuomo campaign spokesman. “Andrew Cuomo is up 10 points since September, while Zohran Mamdani remains stagnant and Curtis Sliwa continues to fade away.”
The poll also measured voters’ views on candidate experience. Seventy-three percent said Cuomo has the right kind of experience to be mayor, compared to 39% for Mamdani and 24% for Sliwa. Meanwhile, 22% said Cuomo lacks the necessary experience, while 47% said the same of Mamdani and 55% of Sliwa.
While Mamdani maintains a double-digit lead overall, the data suggest Cuomo’s rise could reshape the race’s trajectory. With one month before Election Day, the poll highlights a shifting race as voters consider experience, leadership, and the city’s future direction.