Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo closes gap against NYC mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani as Quinnipiac poll shows the race tightening ahead of November election….See more ⤵️

In a dramatic turn in New York City’s 2025 mayoral race, former Governor Andrew Cuomo has made significant gains against Democratic frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, according to a newly released Quinnipiac University poll. The data suggests the contest is becoming more competitive, adding tension to the final weeks before Election Day.

📊 Key Findings from the Quinnipiac Poll

Mamdani leads with 46% of likely voters, while Cuomo garners 33% support. Republican Curtis Sliwa trails at 15%.

Just a month ago, in a four-way race including outgoing Mayor Eric Adams, Cuomo had polled at only 23%—meaning he’s gained a full 10 points since Adams dropped out.

The poll was conducted October 3–7 among 1,015 likely NYC voters, and carries a margin of error of ±3.9 percentage points.

Enthusiasm levels differ: 90% of Mamdani’s supporters say they are “very” or “somewhat” enthusiastic, compared with 69% of Cuomo’s backers.

On favorability, Mamdani scores 43% favorable vs. 35% unfavorable; Cuomo’s numbers tilt the other way: 37% favorable and 52% unfavorable.

In perceived experience, voters favor Cuomo: 73% believe he has the right background for the mayor’s role. By contrast, Mamdani is viewed as ethical by more voters (53%) than Cuomo (34%).

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🔍 What’s Driving the Shift?

Adams Exit Reshapes the Field
Eric Adams’ decision to exit the race appears to have helped Cuomo absorb much of his former base. Polling suggests that most Adams supporters gravitated toward Cuomo rather than splitting among remaining candidates.

Momentum, Messaging & Resources
Cuomo’s campaign has emphasized his executive experience and framed himself as a centrist alternative to Mamdani’s progressive platform. Meanwhile, he’s also benefited from boosts in campaign funding—such as being awarded over $2.3 million in public matching funds from New York’s Campaign Finance Board.

Voter Perceptions & Risks
Still, Cuomo faces headwinds. His unfavorable ratings are high, and questions about ethics continue to hang over his candidacy. Mamdani’s base is more energized, which could insulate him somewhat from shifts in the race.

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🗓️ What to Watch in the Final Stretch

Debates: The first mayoral debate is scheduled for October 16, and another one for October 22—these will be pivotal moments for Cuomo to challenge Mamdani’s propositions.

Super PAC Activity: Wealthy donors are accelerating investments in the race. Notably, Bill Ackman has contributed $1 million to an anti-Mamdani Super PAC.

Voter Turnout & Enthusiasm: If Mamdani’s supporters maintain high enthusiasm and turnout, that could blunt Cuomo’s gains. But if moderates and independents break toward Cuomo, the gap may shrink further.

Late Surges and Surprises: With less than a month remaining, any major misstep or news event—positive or negative—could sway undecided voters.

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🧭 Final Take

While Mamdani retains a healthy double-digit lead per the latest poll, Cuomo’s gains mark a clear shift in momentum. The race is no longer viewed as a foregone conclusion. If Cuomo capitalizes on this narrowing gap—through debates, endorsements, and voter outreach—he could force a much tighter contest than earlier predictions suggested.