Cuomo and Mamdani Tighten NYC Mayoral Race as Sliwa Weighs Exit

A recent poll suggests that the New York City mayoral race would be highly competitive between Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani and Independent candidate Andrew Cuomo if Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa were to withdraw from the contest. Conducted by Gotham Polling in collaboration with the city’s AARP, the survey indicates that Mamdani would hold a narrow lead at 44.6%, while Cuomo would follow closely at 40.7%.

The poll, which surveyed 1,040 likely voters in New York City from October 14-15, 2023, reported a significant 15% of respondents aged over 50 remaining undecided. This demographic, recognized as a vital voting bloc, could ultimately influence the outcome of the election. Stephen Graves, President of Gotham Polling and Analytics, emphasized this point, stating, “The decisive factor in this race may be the older voters who haven’t yet made up their minds.”

In August, Cuomo’s support among older voters surged by nine points. This shift in voter preference follows the recent exit of incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who stepped away from the race after running initially as an Independent. With all four candidates previously in the race, Mamdani had a substantial lead over Cuomo, while Adams received less than 10% in a September poll.

As it stands, with Sliwa still in the race, Mamdani continues to lead his opponents by double digits, according to the New York Post. Key issues dominating the mayoral campaign include the rising cost of living, housing affordability, and public safety.

Mamdani recently faced criticism on social media following a photograph he posted with Imam Siraj Wahhaj, who has been identified as an “unindicted co-conspirator” in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing that resulted in the deaths of six individuals. In his post, Mamdani referred to Wahhaj as “one of the nation’s foremost Muslim leaders and a pillar of the Bed-Stuy community for nearly half a century.” This interaction has sparked controversy as the election draws closer.

The competitive nature of the race, combined with a shifting voter landscape, sets the stage for a dynamic campaign leading up to the election. As candidates gear up for the coming weeks, the focus will undoubtedly remain on the priorities of New Yorkers and the influential role of older voters.