A recent Quinnipiac University poll reveals progressive challenger Jabari Brisport Mamdani holds a 13-point lead in the mayoral race, as former Governor Andrew Cuomo sees a significant surge in support. This shift in dynamics follows Councilman Justin Adams’s recent withdrawal from the contest.

New York, NY – A recent Quinnipiac University poll released this week shows progressive challenger Jabari Brisport Mamdani maintaining a significant lead in the ongoing mayoral race, holding a 13-point advantage over his closest rival. The survey indicates that former Governor Andrew Cuomo has seen a notable surge in support following the withdrawal of Councilman Justin Adams from the contest.
According to the poll results, Mamdani currently garners 38% of likely voters, while Cuomo has climbed to 25%. The remaining candidates in the crowded field register in single digits, with a substantial portion of voters still undecided or favoring other contenders. The shift in dynamics comes just weeks after Adams, initially considered a strong contender, announced his exit from the race, prompting a redistribution of his base among the remaining hopefuls.
Impact of Adams’s Withdrawal
Political analysts suggest Adams’s departure has notably reshaped the landscape, with a significant portion of his prior support seemingly migrating to Cuomo. This development has provided the former governor with crucial momentum, positioning him as Mamdani’s primary challenger. Before his withdrawal, Adams had polled in the mid-teens, and his voters, often moderate Democrats, appear to be aligning with Cuomo’s more centrist platform.
“The impact of Councilman Adams’s decision is clearly visible in these numbers,” stated Dr. Sarah Chen, a senior polling analyst at Quinnipiac University. “While Mamdani continues to hold a strong lead, Cuomo has effectively consolidated a significant portion of the non-Mamdani vote, particularly from those who previously supported Adams. This has solidified the race as a two-person contest at the top.”
Campaign Reactions
The Mamdani campaign expressed confidence in their candidate’s consistent performance. A spokesperson for Mamdani emphasized the campaign’s focus on grassroots organizing and addressing key issues like affordable housing and climate change, which they believe resonate deeply with New York City voters.
Meanwhile, the Cuomo campaign welcomed the new poll numbers, citing them as evidence of growing momentum. A campaign representative indicated that voters are increasingly looking for experienced leadership to navigate the city’s complex challenges.
“We always believed that once voters had a clearer picture of the field, Governor Cuomo’s extensive experience and proven leadership would shine through,” a Cuomo campaign spokesperson remarked. “This poll confirms that New Yorkers are responding to a serious vision for the city’s future, and we are confident this momentum will continue to build.”
The Quinnipiac University poll surveyed 1,200 likely New York City voters from October 2-6, with a margin of error of +/- 2.8 percentage points. The election is scheduled for early next month, and campaigns are intensifying their efforts to sway undecided voters and mobilize their bases.
Source: Read the original article here.