Poll Shows Cuomo Leading by Double Digits in NYC Mayoral Race

Andrew Cuomo, the scandal-ridden former governor of New York, is attempting a political resurrection, emerging as the frontrunner in the Democratic primary to unseat the deeply unpopular New York City Mayor Eric Adams. A recent Quinnipiac University poll of approximately 1,200 voters showed Cuomo with 31% support, far ahead of Adams’ dismal 11%.

Despite Adams’ numerous political and ethical troubles—including a federal corruption probe and growing outrage over his handling of the migrant crisis—he remains determined to seek another term, even as public confidence in his leadership continues to collapse.

The poll’s findings, as noted by Quinnipiac’s Assistant Director Mary Snow, suggest that Cuomo’s support is concentrated among moderate Democrats, a voting bloc that appears desperate for a viable alternative to Adams. However, with 16% of voters still undecided, the race remains fluid, leaving the door open for shifting alliances and unexpected developments.

Other Democratic candidates, though polling significantly lower, remain in the race. State Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani has garnered 8% support, while Public Advocate Jumaane Williams trails at 7%. Former city comptroller Scott Stringer stands at 6%, City Comptroller Brad Lander at 5%, and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, who entered the race more recently, has managed to secure only 4% support.

Meanwhile, Adams’ popularity has cratered, reaching historically low levels for a New York City mayor. With only 20% of voters approving of his performance, his disapproval transcends political affiliations—78% of Democrats, 63% of independents, and even 52% of Republicans have expressed dissatisfaction with his leadership. His critics argue that his failure to address rising crime, his mismanagement of the city’s migrant crisis, and his inability to navigate federal scrutiny have made him unelectable.

However, Cuomo is hardly a figure of political redemption. The former governor was forced to resign in disgrace in 2021 after multiple allegations of sexual harassment surfaced, painting a picture of a leader who abused his power and created a toxic workplace culture. His tenure was further marred by the now-infamous nursing home scandal, in which his administration was accused of covering up thousands of COVID-19 deaths in elderly care facilities to protect his public image.

Despite these glaring stains on his record, Cuomo is attempting to rebrand himself as the answer to New York City’s deepening crisis, launching a campaign centered on “strong leadership” and “government accountability.” His campaign video, released on social media, portrays him as a seasoned politician capable of steering the city back on track—though many see his sudden reappearance as more of a calculated bid for power than a genuine effort to serve the public.

For Cuomo, the biggest challenge remains convincing voters that he is a viable alternative to Adams despite his scandal-ridden past. While some moderates appear willing to overlook his misdeeds in exchange for what they see as competent governance, others remain skeptical.

His entry into the race has reignited public debate over whether New York City should embrace a leader with such a controversial history, or whether it signals a troubling acceptance of political rehabilitation at the cost of accountability.

Adams, on the other hand, refuses to bow to mounting pressure to abandon his reelection bid, despite growing opposition within his own party. His allies argue that the challenges he faces—such as crime, homelessness, and the influx of migrants—would be difficult for any mayor to resolve and that his administration is being unfairly scapegoated. However, as his approval ratings continue to nosedive and Cuomo’s numbers rise, his political future appears increasingly bleak.

The race for New York City’s leadership has now become a contest between two deeply flawed candidates. While Cuomo’s return has undoubtedly shaken up the field, his past remains an inescapable liability, and his political ambitions raise more questions than answers.

Meanwhile, Adams’ failures in office have left many New Yorkers feeling disillusioned with the city’s leadership. With the primary fast approaching, voters are left with a troubling decision: endure another term of Adams’ ineffective governance, or take a chance on Cuomo, whose past misconduct and political opportunism still loom large.

As the campaign intensifies, the battle lines are being drawn, and both Cuomo and Adams will have to contend with their respective baggage. The real question is whether New Yorkers will be willing to forgive past transgressions in search of stability or whether the city will ultimately reject both candidates in favor of a fresh alternative.

With the Democratic primary still months away, the political landscape remains volatile, and the next few months will be crucial in shaping the future leadership of America’s largest city.