Zohran Mamdani’s win in the 2025 New York City mayoral race was primarily shaped by voters who had recently moved to the city, according to exit polls. The results illustrate a stark divide between long-term residents and newcomers, as well as clear demographic patterns among supporters.
Among voters who have lived in New York City for less than five years, 85% supported Mamdani, compared with 14% for Andrew Cuomo. Those in the city for five to ten years also leaned toward Mamdani, with 78% backing him versus 19% for Cuomo. In contrast, lifelong New Yorkers preferred Cuomo, who received 49% of votes from city-born residents, while Mamdani received 38%. Voters who had lived in the city for more than 10 years but were not born there supported Mamdani at 55%, compared with 40% for Cuomo.
Demographic patterns further defined the basis of Mamdani’s approach. Non-parents made up the majority, with 53% supporting him, while 46% of parents did. Many of Mamdani’s voters were first-time participants in a mayoral election and had not voted in 2021, highlighting the influence of newcomers and younger residents, including those too young to remember the September 11 attacks. Women without children accounted for a significant share of his support.
Policy perception played a notable role. Among voters who considered Mamdani’s policies realistic, 94% voted for him, whereas those who viewed his policies as unrealistic largely favored Cuomo. Cuomo’s supporters, in turn, largely rejected Mamdani’s proposals, reflecting a clear divide in policy outlook between the two voter bases.
The exit polls indicate that Mamdani’s path to victory was fueled by a coalition of recent arrivals, younger adults, college-educated voters, and women without children. These patterns underscore the evolving dynamics of New York City’s electorate and the influence of transplants and first-time voters in the 2025 mayoral race.
